The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has now taken a very dangerous turn. The case is related to the alleged drone attack on the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has taken the tension between the two countries to its peak. Moscow has directly alleged that Kiev tried to target Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region. On the other hand, Ukraine has completely rejected these allegations and called it a drama created by Russia, so that the war could be further instigated.
Russia claims: 91 drones attacked in the dark of night, air defense foiled a big conspiracy
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has made very serious allegations, saying that on the intervening night of 28-29 December, Ukraine tried to carry out a major attack on Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. According to Russian Defense Ministry data, a total of 91 drones were used for this attack. Russia claims that their well-equipped air defense system and electronic warfare technology shot down all the drones in the air. Fortunately, there is no news of any casualties or damage to any major infrastructure in this incident, but Russia is considering it as a direct challenge.
The target was Putin’s highly secured ‘Valdai’ residence, which is considered an impenetrable fort.
According to the information given by Russia, the main target of the attack was Putin’s official residence located in the Novgorod region. It is also known as ‘Valdai’ or ‘Dolgiye Borody’ Residence. Geographically it is located in a quiet lake area between Moscow and St. Petersburg. It is considered a VIP residence, where security arrangements are always very tight. The attempt to target such a highly-secure area has also alerted Russian security agencies.
Ukraine counterattacked: Zelensky called the allegations a ‘fabricated story’, said – Russia is looking for an excuse for the attack
Ukraine has responded sharply and quickly to this serious allegation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the Russian claims “completely fabricated.” Zelensky says that Russia is making such false claims so that it can justify new and bigger attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and other senior officials also clarified that they neither planned a drone attack on Putin’s house nor conducted any such secret operation. Ukraine believes that this is part of Russia’s propaganda machinery.
Tension amid peace talks: This dispute happened between Trump’s efforts and Putin-Zelensky meeting
This alleged attack has come at a sensitive time when US President Donald Trump is intensifying efforts for a peace agreement to end the war. It is noteworthy that there was a phone conversation between Putin and Trump immediately after the meeting of Zelensky and Trump in Florida. In this conversation, Putin strongly raised the issue of the alleged attack and warned that such incidents could make Russia toughen its stance at the negotiating table. Analysts believe that this incident could derail peace efforts.
Russia threatens military action in response to ‘state terrorism’, PM Modi appeals for restraint
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has adopted a harsh tone and termed this drone attack as “State Terrorism”. He clearly indicated that Moscow has already decided the goals and timing of a major retaliatory military action against Ukraine in response. The international community is also keeping an eye on this increasing tension. Leaders of many countries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have expressed deep concern over the news of this alleged attack and have appealed to both sides to exercise restraint and find a solution through dialogue, so that the situation does not go out of control.
