President Donald Trump expressed anger on Monday after Russian President Vladimir Putin told him about an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on one of his residences. The claim comes at a sensitive time, just after talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine showed some progress.
The incident reportedly happened overnight from December 28 to 29, 2025. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at a presidential residence in the Novgorod region, northwest of Russia.
That area includes the Valdai retreat, a secluded spot Putin sometimes uses. Lavrov claimed all drones were shot down by air defences. No damage or injuries were reported.
Putin raised the issue in a phone call with Trump early Monday. It was their second talk in quick succession. Trump spoke to reporters at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. He said the timing was bad, given ongoing peace efforts. “It’s not good,” he told them. He called it poorly timed for diplomacy.
Trump said he believed Putin at first. But when asked about Ukraine’s denial, he added, “We’ll find out.” He seemed open to the idea it might not have happened.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the claim right away. He called it a “complete fabrication”. Zelenskyy said Russia made it up to justify more attacks on Ukraine and to back away from peace steps. Ukraine only hits military targets inside Russia, his team added.
The allegation surfaced one day after Zelenskyy met Trump in Florida. They discussed a peace framework. Trump said things were moving forward, though tough issues like territory remain. He described the talks as positive overall.
Russia now says the supposed attack changes things. Lavrov warned Moscow will review its position in negotiations. A Kremlin aide said Putin told Trump Russia stays open to talks but will rethink some points.
No independent proof of the drone strike has come out. Western media note the lack of photos or other evidence. Past Russian claims of attacks on high-profile sites have sometimes gone without clear confirmation.
The Novgorod region sits between Moscow and St Petersburg. The Valdai residence is heavily guarded, deep in a forest near a lake. Putin has spent time there, especially during the war.
Tensions stay high. Russia keeps pushing in eastern Ukraine. Recent strikes hit Ukrainian cities hard. Peace efforts continue, led by the US now.
Trump has pushed for a quick end to the fighting since taking office. He spoke with both leaders over the weekend. European countries watch closely too.
Moscow called the alleged strike “state terrorism”. Some Russian officials want a strong response. But details on any retaliation stay vague.
Ukraine points to the timing. Zelenskyy said Russia looks for excuses when talks go well for Kyiv.
Analysts see this as a setback for diplomacy. Progress was reported Sunday. Now doubts creep in.
The war nears four years. Millions displaced. Cities damaged. Both sides claim wins on the battlefield.
Trump said earlier he thinks a deal is close. “Maybe very close,” he put it. But thorny problems like Donbas control and security promises linger.
Zelenskyy wants long-term guarantees from the US and allies. Trump mentioned 15 years, with Europe taking a big role.
Russia demands Ukraine give up claims to occupied areas. Kyiv refuses. This drone claim adds complication. No one knows if it derails things fully.
Leaders keep talking. Trump plans more calls. Working groups handle details. People in Ukraine and Russia follow updates. Hope for peace mixes with worry over new fighting.
For now, the conflicting stories stand. Russia insists on the attack. Ukraine calls it lies. Trump sounds frustrated. Independent checks are hard in wartime. Truth often takes time to surface. As 2025 ends, the push for an agreement goes on. But incidents like this remind everyone how fragile it is.
