Post by : Meena Ariff

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected Russia’s allegations that Ukraine launched a drone attack on one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residences. Zelensky accused Moscow of making false claims aimed at disrupting ongoing peace negotiations.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Kyiv deployed 91 long-range drones in a coordinated overnight strike targeting Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region of northwest Russia. Lavrov added that all drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defenses, with no casualties or damage reported.

Lavrov warned that, due to what he described as the “final degeneration” of Ukraine’s government, Russia would reconsider its stance in peace talks. However, he stressed that Russia does not plan to leave negotiations with the United States.

Zelensky dismissed the accusations as “typical Russian lies,” designed to justify continued military aggression against Ukraine. He noted that Russia itself had previously targeted government buildings in Kyiv.

The Ukrainian president also urged the global community not to stay silent amid Russia’s efforts to undermine peace progress. He emphasized the importance of international support in achieving a lasting peace.

These allegations came shortly after peace talks between the US and Ukraine in Florida, where Zelensky and the US President discussed a revised plan to end the conflict. Zelensky expressed hope that the war could end by 2026 but said Ukraine’s success depends heavily on continued US assistance.

Zelensky voiced doubt about Putin’s desire for peace, stating that he does not trust the Russian leader and believes Putin is not interested in Ukraine’s success.

Regarding security guarantees, Zelensky revealed that the US offered Ukraine assurances for 15 years, with an agreement reportedly nearly finalized. However, key issues such as territorial disputes and the status of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the Donbas region remain unresolved.

Currently, Russia controls approximately 75% of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk, the two regions comprising Donbas. Moscow has rejected critical parts of the proposed peace plan, complicating resolution prospects.

Following the US-Ukraine talks, the White House announced a “positive call” between the US President and Putin. A Kremlin adviser said Putin expressed concern about the alleged drone attack, which occurred soon after what the US described as a successful negotiation round.

The US President said he was shocked and angry upon hearing about the incident, warning it could impact the US’s approach to dealing with Zelensky. Initially uncertain, he later confirmed hearing about the attack from Putin and said investigations would be conducted.

#Global News