U.S. security agencies, with insights from the CIA, have determined that Ukraine did not attempt a drone attack on a residence of Vladimir Putin in Russia's Novgorod region, contradicting Moscow's accusations. This information, initially reported by The Wall Street Journal and covered by Reuters, noted that the White House did not comment, and a CIA spokesperson was not immediately available.
Russian Allegations Versus U.S. Intelligence
Moscow's Allegations: According to Russian claims, Ukraine allegedly launched 91 long-range drones targeting a presidential residence in Novgorod. The Kremlin suggested this action might influence their stance in negotiations promoted by Washington.
U.S. Response: Security officials in the United States, as reported by Reuters and The Wall Street Journal, have dismissed any attempt to target Putin or his assets. This conclusion is based on intelligence assessments conducted by the CIA.
Political Ramifications and Reactions
Reuters highlighted that President Donald Trump initially expressed concern but later supported a critical editorial of Moscow after receiving a briefing from CIA Director John Ratcliffe regarding the Kremlin's accusations.
Kremlin's Continued Claims
Hours after the American reports, Russia's Ministry of Defense posted on its official X account (formerly Twitter) about data extracted from a Ukrainian drone allegedly downed on December 29 over the Novgorod region. The message claimed the data indicated a presidential residence was the target, and this information would be shared with the United States through established channels.
However, the message lacked verifiable evidence and was met with skepticism by Western analysts, who view it as yet another attempt by the Kremlin to sustain its narrative of supposed Ukrainian aggression. Neither Washington nor Kyiv has officially commented on the publication.
Ukraine's Rebuke of Russian Narrative
Ukraine dismissed Moscow's claims as "ridiculous," asserting that no such attack occurred. They accused the Kremlin of fabricating the incident to divert attention from its military stalemate and hinder diplomatic efforts led by the West. Reuters, however, has been unable to independently verify the authenticity of the video or the existence of the alleged Chaklun-V drone remnants showcased by Russia.
Key Questions on U.S. and Russian Drone Claims
What did the CIA conclude about the alleged drone attack?
The CIA, along with U.S. security agencies, concluded that Ukraine did not attempt to carry out a drone attack on a residence of Vladimir Putin in Novgorod, contradicting Russia's claims.
How has Ukraine responded to Moscow's accusations?
Ukraine has labeled Moscow's accusations as "ridiculous," denying any attack occurred and accusing the Kremlin of creating a diversion to shift focus from its military struggles.
What was the Kremlin's response following U.S. reports?
The Kremlin responded by releasing a message on its official X account, claiming to have data from a downed Ukrainian drone, which allegedly targeted a presidential residence. This claim, however, lacked evidence and was met with skepticism.