Key Facts
• On December 29, Russian Presidential Aide Ushakov announced Putin informed Trump of a drone attack on the presidential residence in Novgorod.
• Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov claimed 91 drones targeted the residence between December 28-29; all were destroyed by air defenses.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky denied the attack, calling it “complete fabrication” on X (formerly Twitter).
• Putin told Trump Russia will reconsider its position on US-related peace negotiation agreements.
• Trump expressed anger upon hearing about the attack and said the truth will emerge.
• Ushakov reported Trump was furious and thankful for not supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Summary
On December 29, Russia claimed Ukraine launched a drone attack on President Putin’s residence in Novgorod, which Russia said was fully intercepted. Ukraine’s President Zelensky denied the claim, labeling it fabricated. During a phone call, Putin informed then-US President Trump of the incident and indicated Russia might revise its stance on peace talks involving the US. Trump reacted with anger but awaited confirmation of facts. Additionally, Trump reportedly expressed relief for not providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles. This exchange highlights ongoing tensions and complexities in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and related diplomatic efforts.
