The Russian administration accused Ukraine on Monday of attempting a drone strike on President Vladimir Putin's official residence located in the Novgorod region.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Ukraine allegedly launched 91 long-range drones during the night of December 28 to 29, calling it a "terrorist attack" that fortunately resulted in no casualties or damage.
91 Drones Targeting a Symbolic Site
According to the Russian state news agency TASS, the Ukrainian offensive was specifically aimed at a highly symbolic target: President Putin's official residence in northwestern Novgorod.
Lavrov highlighted that "all drones were eliminated" by the Russian Armed Forces' air defense systems. He added that "there were no casualties or damage from the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) debris," although he did not provide visual evidence or details to confirm the incident.
In his remarks, Lavrov warned that "Moscow will respond to Kiev's attack," but did not disclose what that response would entail.
Diplomatic Tensions Amid U.S. Talks
Lavrov also pointed out that the timing of the attack coincided with a sensitive period in diplomatic relations. "The attack occurred during intense negotiations between Russia and the United States to resolve the Ukrainian conflict," he noted, suggesting that Ukraine might be trying to undermine diplomatic efforts or exert pressure during the talks.
Despite labeling the attack as "a provocation," Lavrov affirmed that "Russia has no intention of withdrawing from the negotiation process," acknowledging, however, that the Kremlin's negotiating stance might be affected by the incident.
"Russia's negotiating position will be reconsidered in light of Kiev's definitive shift towards a policy of state terrorism," Lavrov stated, adopting a notably harsher tone against the Ukrainian government.
Moscow Plans Retaliation
Sources cited by TASS indicate that the Kremlin has already "identified the targets and timing for retaliatory action" in response to the attempted attack on Putin's residence.
However, no public announcement has been made regarding the specifics, nor has the commencement of any Russian offensive operations been confirmed.
The attack, though thwarted without casualties or destruction, stands as one of the most ambitious in terms of the number of drones used against a high-level state target within Russian territory. This could signify a turning point in internal security measures and the perceived vulnerability of the country's political leadership.
Escalating Tensions Amid Stalemate
The war in Ukraine has reached a prolonged phase of attrition, with relatively stable front lines and an increasing reliance on long-range weapons, especially drones, by both parties.
In this context, attacks on critical infrastructure or symbolic sites have grown in frequency, alongside attempts to revive diplomatic channels.
Russia's accusation against Ukraine arises as Moscow seeks to regain negotiating prominence with support from allies like China and indirect mediation from the United States.
Meanwhile, Kiev has maintained that it will not cease military operations without guarantees of a total withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory.
Though Ukrainian authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the attack, media outlets suggest that such operations often go unclaimed officially, partly for tactical reasons and partly to maintain strategic ambiguity.
Key Questions About the Drone Attack on Putin's Residence
What was the target of the drone attack?
The attack targeted President Vladimir Putin's official residence in the Novgorod region, a site of high symbolic importance.
How did Russia respond to the drone attack?
Russia's air defense systems reportedly neutralized all the drones, and no casualties or damages were reported. Moscow has vowed to retaliate but has not specified how.
What is the significance of the attack's timing?
The attack coincided with sensitive diplomatic negotiations between Russia and the United States over the Ukrainian conflict, potentially undermining diplomatic efforts.