Russian, Kazakh leaders discuss attempted attack on state residence

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

According to the Kremlin press service, as reported by Caliber.Az, President Tokayev strongly condemned the attempted attack on the Russian president’s state residence in the Novgorod region.

After discussing the incident, the two leaders exchanged warm congratulations on the upcoming New Year and also addressed several current issues on the bilateral agenda, including the implementation of agreements reached following President Tokayev’s state visit to Moscow in November 2025.

On December 29, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones targeting Putin's secretive residence (known as Valdai or Dolgiye Borody/Uzhin) on Lake Valdai in Novgorod Oblast, northwest of Moscow. Russia stated all drones were intercepted by air defences, with no casualties or damage. The claim emerged amid U.S.-brokered peace talks involving President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.

Ukraine denied the allegation, calling it a "fabrication" to derail negotiations and justify Russian escalations. Russia provided no independent evidence (e.g., debris photos or videos). President Trump, informed by Putin in a separate call, expressed anger but noted uncertainty about verification.

By Khagan Isayev