Two-Day Window Cited for Alleged Drone Assault on Presidential Compound

Russian authorities have cited a specific two-day window for an alleged Ukrainian drone assault on President Putin’s residence, providing temporal details to support Moscow’s accusations. The December 28-29 timeframe has become central to the controversy threatening diplomatic initiatives.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Ukraine deployed 91 long-range drones against the presidential estate in Novgorod region during this 48-hour period. He characterized the alleged operation as reckless state terrorism and warned that Russia would respond with military force. Lavrov confirmed that despite successful interception of all drones by air defense systems, the incident would influence Moscow’s negotiating position.
President Zelensky categorically denied Russian allegations, labeling them as fabricated propaganda designed to justify strikes on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. He argued that Moscow was manufacturing a false narrative to provide cover for planned aggression while sabotaging diplomatic progress. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s actions consistently support peace initiatives rather than undermining them.
According to Russian accounts, air defense networks successfully eliminated all incoming threats during the two-day period, preventing any damage to the presidential compound. However, Lavrov indicated that the alleged attack attempt would necessitate reassessment of Russia’s approach to ongoing discussions. He confirmed that Russian military planners had identified specific targets for potential counterstrike operations.
Zelensky called on the international community not to remain silent in the face of Russian accusations. He warned that Moscow’s claims threatened to disrupt diplomatic momentum, particularly work involving Trump administration representatives. The Ukrainian president referenced Russia’s history of attacking Ukrainian government facilities as evidence of a pattern where Moscow accuses others of actions it regularly commits. He stressed that preventing successful Russian manipulation of peace processes requires sustained global attention and active engagement rather than passive observation of events.