Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has applied the label of “reckless actions” to what Moscow describes as a Ukrainian drone operation targeting President Putin’s residence. The characterization has become central to Russia’s justification for threatened military retaliation and reassessment of peace negotiations.
Lavrov accused Ukraine of launching 91 long-range drones at the presidential compound in Novgorod region over December 28-29. Beyond labeling the alleged operation as reckless, he characterized it as state terrorism and warned that Russia would respond with military force. Lavrov confirmed that despite successful interception of all drones by air defense systems, Moscow had prepared countermeasures.
President Zelensky categorically denied Russian allegations, dismissing them as fabricated propaganda designed to create justification for strikes on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. He argued that Moscow was manufacturing a false narrative to provide cover for planned aggression while undermining diplomatic initiatives with international partners. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to peace processes.
According to Russian accounts, air defense networks eliminated every incoming drone, preventing any damage to the presidential property. However, Lavrov maintained that what he characterized as reckless Ukrainian behavior warranted significant retaliation. He indicated that the alleged attack would influence Moscow’s approach to ongoing peace discussions and necessitate reassessment of Russia’s negotiating position.
Zelensky called on world leaders to recognize Russian manipulation tactics rather than remaining passive. He specifically mentioned work with Trump administration representatives as potentially threatened by Russian claims. The Ukrainian president referenced Moscow’s history of attacking Ukrainian government facilities, including the Cabinet of Ministers building, as evidence of a pattern where Russia accuses others of reckless actions it regularly commits itself. He stressed that preventing successful Russian disruption of peace efforts requires sustained international attention and consistent exposure of tactics designed to shift blame and justify continued military operations.