Russia warns of retaliation following alleged Ukrainian attack on Putin's residence

Russia has made it clear that any Ukrainian attempt to strike President Vladimir Putin's official residence will not be met with diplomatic responses.

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said Kyiv should not "get its hopes up" for a peaceful resolution following the allegations of an attack on Putin's estate, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

The warning comes in the wake of claims by Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, on December 29 that Ukraine had launched an attempt to strike Putin's residence in the Novgorod region, south of St. Petersburg. According to Lavrov, Russian air defences successfully intercepted 91 drones headed for the estate. He condemned the alleged Ukrainian actions as "state terrorism" and warned that "such reckless actions will not go unanswered."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in turn, dismissed the claims as a fabrication, suggesting they were designed to undermine peace efforts. Zelenskyy highlighted that the timing of the allegations, following productive talks between Ukraine and US officials on a potential peace framework, indicated that Russia may be trying to derail diplomatic momentum. He also expressed concerns that Moscow could use the accusation as a pretext to launch further strikes, possibly targeting Kyiv.

By Sabina Mammadli