Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukraine used 91 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack President Vladimir Putin's residence in the Novgorod region on the night of 28/12 and early morning of 29/12. According to Lavrov, Russian air defense systems destroyed all these UAVs.
The Russian Foreign Minister declared that Russia had selected targets in Ukraine for "retaliatory attacks," adding that Moscow's negotiating stance on ending hostilities would be re-evaluated after this "terrorist attack" by Kyiv.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 29/12. Photo: AFP |
Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 29/12. Photo: AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky immediately denied the accusation, calling Russia's information a "lie" aimed at creating a pretext for new attacks on Ukraine. Zelensky warned Russia might target the capital Kyiv or government buildings soon, urging citizens to be vigilant.
The Ukrainian leader also accused Russia of using "dangerous statements to undermine" the results achieved in US-led diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
"This 'residence attack' story is entirely a fabrication to justify attacks against Ukraine, as well as Russia's refusal to take necessary steps to end the war," Zelensky said.
On the same day, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump had a "positive" phone call with his Russian counterpart, Putin, discussing the Ukraine issue, but did not disclose detailed content.
President Trump is currently mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, the parties have undergone numerous negotiations but have not found common ground on a ceasefire agreement, especially regarding territorial issues.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)
