MOSCOW / KYIV: In a blow to ongoing peace efforts, Russia accused Ukraine of trying to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence and vowed retaliation, a claim Kyiv denied, saying there was no evidence.

A day earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had accused Ukraine of attacking a presidential residence in the Novgorod region overnight with 91 long-range attack drones and said Russia would retaliate.

Lavrov did not provide any evidence for the accusation.

It was unclear where Putin was at the time of the alleged attack but he held meetings on Saturday and Monday in the Kremlin.

PM Shehbaz, Trump condemn ‘attack’; European leaders rally around Ukraine

The Valdai residence, also known as ‘Uzhin’ or ‘Dolgiye Borody’, is a heavily guarded complex on the shores of Lake Valdai about 360 km north of Moscow.

Putin has increasingly used the residency since the Ukraine war began, as it was more secluded and better protected by air defence installations.

Moscow’s claim came after President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with US President Donald Trump in Florida, with the Ukrainian leader saying it was a “fabrication” intended to sabotage diplomatic progress.

“This alleged ‘residence strike’ story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia’s own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war. Typical Russian lies,” he said.

Without naming Ukraine, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday condemned reports regarding the targeting of the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a “heinous act”.

“We reiterate our firm rejection of all forms of violence and acts intended to undermine security and threaten peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, European leaders rallied around Zelensky following Moscow’s allegation and — according to Poland — were set to discuss the war later on Tuesday.

But US President Donald Trump, who spoke to Putin a day earlier, directed criticism at Kyiv.

“You know who told me about it? President Putin, early in the morning, he said he was attacked. It’s no good,” Trump said.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2025