Trump expresses anger over an alleged drone strike on Putin’s residence as Russia and Ukraine trade claims, raising fresh doubts over peace talks.
Trump Rebukes Alleged Ukrainian Drone Strike Clouds Peace Efforts
New Delhi | December 30, 2025, 8:40 a.m. IST: President Donald Trump’s sharp criticism of an alleged Ukrainian drone strike on Vladimir Putin’s residence has injected fresh uncertainty into fragile peace efforts between Moscow and Kyiv. The incident has sparked dueling narratives from Russia and Ukraine and raised fears that the nascent US‑brokered deal could stall at a critical moment.
Trump Condemns Alleged Attack
Speaking at Mar‑a‑Lago after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump said he was “very angry” after Putin informed him of what Moscow claims was a major drone assault on one of his state residences in Russia’s Novgorod region.
He called the alleged strike “not good” and “not the right time,” stressing that it came during a “delicate” phase of negotiations.
Trump told reporters that Putin personally briefed him on the incident during a follow‑up phone call, just hours after Trump’s nearly three‑hour meeting with Zelenskyy in Florida.
The White House later described the Trump–Putin call as “positive,” while Trump reiterated his message that “we’ve got to make a deal” to end the war.
Russia Alleges Massive Drone Attack
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine launched 91 long‑range drones at Putin’s Valdai residence overnight, all of which were intercepted by Russian air defences.
He denounced the purported operation as “reckless” and warned that Moscow’s negotiating stance would now be reconsidered, hinting at possible retaliation.
Lavrov’s intervention was unusual, as reports of drone attacks on Russian territory are typically issued by the Defence Ministry or regional authorities. Earlier on Monday, the Defence Ministry separately reported downing 89 Ukrainian drones across the country, a discrepancy that has fueled questions about Moscow’s account.
Kyiv Rejects Allegations
Ukraine swiftly dismissed Russia’s claims. Zelenskyy branded the story a “complete fabrication” and “typical Russian lies” aimed at derailing diplomacy.
He argued that the timing, less than 24 hours after his extended meeting with Trump, suggested the Kremlin was seeking a pretext to harden its stance or justify new strikes on Kyiv, potentially targeting government sites.
Ukrainian officials framed the allegation as part of a broader information campaign designed to undermine confidence in US‑led talks and portray Kyiv as obstructing peace. They insist Ukraine remains committed to the emerging framework under discussion with Washington and its partners.
President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks after meeting with President @ZelenskyyUa on ending the Russia-Ukraine war:
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 28, 2025
“We made a lot of progress… it's very close.” pic.twitter.com/kGOlRUH6BW
Peace Talks at a Critical Juncture
Over the weekend, Trump and Zelenskyy both indicated they were “very close” to a peace deal, saying roughly 90% of the proposed framework had been agreed after marathon talks at Mar‑a‑Lago. Outstanding issues reportedly include territorial disputes in occupied regions and the scope of long‑term security guarantees for Ukraine.
Trump has expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached within weeks but warned the process could collapse if key sticking points remain unresolved. The flare‑up over the alleged drone strike now threatens to complicate that timeline, adding pressure on all sides to prove they are not sabotaging negotiations.
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High Stakes for Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv
For Washington, the episode highlights the delicate balancing act of mediating between Ukraine’s security needs and Russia’s red lines while sustaining momentum toward a deal Trump has heavily invested in politically.
Any perception that Kyiv acted recklessly could strain US‑Ukraine ties, while a weak response to Russian escalation could invite criticism at home and abroad.
For Moscow, the allegation provides an opportunity to cast Ukraine as a perpetrator of “state terrorism” and justify potential military or diplomatic escalation if talks falter. For Kyiv, maintaining Western trust and avoiding blame for any breakdown in negotiations has become as strategically vital as the battles being fought on the ground.
