Kathmandu: Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting to attack President Vladimir Putin’s official residence in Novgorod using drones. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 drone strikes on the night of December 28 and 29, all of which were intercepted by Russia’s air defense systems.

Lavrov described the alleged incident as an act of terrorism and warned that Russia would respond. He did not provide details on the nature of the retaliation or evidence of damage from the attempted attack.

Ukraine, however, has strongly denied the accusation. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the claims false and fabricated, alleging that Russia is seeking a pretext to escalate attacks. “Russia is looking for an excuse to strike us. Its intention is to attack government buildings in Kyiv,” Zelensky said.

It remains unclear whether President Putin was present at his Novgorod residence at the time of the alleged incident. Russian authorities have also not released any video or visual evidence related to the claimed drone attack.

In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky said Russia continues to avoid meaningful steps toward ending the war, while Ukraine remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic path.