Russia releases footage of a downed drone it claims Ukraine launched at President Putin’s residence, a claim Kyiv and the EU dismiss as a fabrication to derail peace talks.
MOSCOW: Russia’s defence ministry has published video of a downed drone it alleges Ukraine launched at President Vladimir Putin’s residence.
The ministry stated the alleged attack targeted Putin’s home in the Novgorod region on the night of December 28-29.
It described the operation as a “carefully planned” terrorist attack and a personal strike against the president.
Kyiv has firmly denied the allegation, calling it a “lie” and a “fabrication”.
A Ukrainian official said the claim was intended to manipulate the peace process following talks between Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump.
The European Union also criticised the video, suggesting it was an attempt to derail peace efforts.
Moscow stated the incident would toughen its negotiation stance in war talks.
The published footage, shot at night, shows a damaged drone lying in snow within a forested area.
The defence ministry said the attack involved a “mass” drone launch starting around 7:00 p.m. on December 28 but reported no damage to the residence.
Russia has not disclosed Putin’s location at the time of the alleged incident.
The video also featured a man identified as a local villager from the settlement of Roshchino, presented as a witness.
