Zelenskyy Putin Residence Drone Attack Claim Shakes Global Peace Efforts

The handshake in Florida met a drone strike in Novgorod—or so Russia claims. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hasn't wasted any time in rejecting Moscow's allegation that his forces targeted President Vladimir Putin's residence. This diplomatic firestorm comes at a critical juncture, just hours after optimistic peace talks were held between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Zelenskyy Putin Residence Drone Attack Claim Puts Diplomacy at Risk

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reported on Monday that 91 long-range drones were used in the alleged attack on Sunday. Trump confirmed he heard the news directly from Putin during a phone call, stating he was "very angry" about the possibility of an escalation. However, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha countered that the claim is a "false justification" designed to derail the peace process and provide a pretext for more Russian strikes.

Battlefield Realities Amidst Political Drama

As the war enters its fourth year, the human cost continues to mount. On the front lines, Ukraine's General Staff recorded 89 combat engagements in a single day. In Orikhiv, a guided bomb strike killed a 46-year-old man. Despite the violence, Zelenskyy noted that a 20-point peace plan is 90% agreed upon, though the fate of occupied eastern territories remains a massive sticking point.