MOSCOW (December 29, 2025) - Tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict reached a fever pitch on Monday after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Kyiv of launching a massive, coordinated drone strike aimed at President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region.
"Every single one of these 91 UAVs was intercepted and neutralized by our air defense systems," Lavrov stated during a press briefing. He described the incident as a "reckless act of state terrorism" and confirmed that the Russian military has already selected a list of targets for a "crushing retaliatory response."
"Such actions cannot go unanswered," Lavrov warned. "While we remain committed to a diplomatic resolution, our position in ongoing negotiations is being reviewed and will be adjusted to reflect this new reality."
"This is a complete lie," Zelenskyy said in a video address. "The Kremlin is fabricating a narrative of victimhood to clear the path for their own planned strikes against government buildings in the heart of Kyiv."
Ukrainian officials suggest that Moscow is using the "91-drone story" to justify a new wave of missile strikes on "decision-making centers" in the Ukrainian capital, potentially targeting the Presidential Office and Parliament.
As of Monday evening, no independent verification of the drone swarm or the successful interceptions has been provided, leaving the international community on edge as both nations brace for a potential escalation in the coming hours.
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A Massive Swarm over Novgorod
According to the Kremlin, the attempted strike occurred over the nights of December 28 and 29. Lavrov claimed that Ukraine deployed a staggering 91 long-range "suicide" drones targeting the presidential compound."Every single one of these 91 UAVs was intercepted and neutralized by our air defense systems," Lavrov stated during a press briefing. He described the incident as a "reckless act of state terrorism" and confirmed that the Russian military has already selected a list of targets for a "crushing retaliatory response."
Peace Negotiations in Jeopardy
The timing of the alleged attack is particularly sensitive, as international mediators have been pushing for a breakthrough in peace talks. While Moscow has not yet walked away from the table, Lavrov signaled a significant shift in tone."Such actions cannot go unanswered," Lavrov warned. "While we remain committed to a diplomatic resolution, our position in ongoing negotiations is being reviewed and will be adjusted to reflect this new reality."
Kyiv’s Denial: "A Total Fabrication"
From Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a sharp rebuttal, dismissing the Russian claims as a dangerous "false flag" operation."This is a complete lie," Zelenskyy said in a video address. "The Kremlin is fabricating a narrative of victimhood to clear the path for their own planned strikes against government buildings in the heart of Kyiv."
Ukrainian officials suggest that Moscow is using the "91-drone story" to justify a new wave of missile strikes on "decision-making centers" in the Ukrainian capital, potentially targeting the Presidential Office and Parliament.
The Mystery of the Novgorod Residence
The residence in question, located in the secluded forests of the Novgorod region, is one of several highly fortified retreats used by the Russian leader. It remains unclear whether President Putin was present at the site during the alleged window of the attack.As of Monday evening, no independent verification of the drone swarm or the successful interceptions has been provided, leaving the international community on edge as both nations brace for a potential escalation in the coming hours.
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