Key Facts
• December 28–29, 2025: Russia claims Ukraine launched a drone attack on Putin’s residence in Novgorod region.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky strongly denies the attack, calling it “complete fabrication.”
• The Wall Street Journal reports on December 31, 2025, that the CIA rejects Russia’s claim.
• According to US national security officials, Ukraine targeted a military site in the same region, not the residence.
• CIA Director Ratcliffe briefed then-President Trump on the analysis.
• Trump shared a US media article link on social media without comment, highlighting the high possibility the residence was not attacked.
• The article suggests Russia is obstructing peace efforts.
Summary
The CIA has publicly denied Russian assertions that Ukraine attempted a drone attack on President Putin’s official residence in the Novgorod region during December 28–29, 2025. While Russia presented debris as evidence, Ukrainian President Zelensky firmly rejected the claims as fabricated. US national security sources, cited by the Wall Street Journal, clarified that Ukraine’s drone strikes targeted a military installation nearby, not the residence itself. CIA Director Ratcliffe conveyed this intelligence to then-President Trump, who subsequently shared related media coverage on social media without additional remarks. The report underscores the likelihood that no attack occurred on Putin’s residence and implies that Russia may be impeding peace negotiations. This development highlights ongoing tensions and conflicting narratives amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
