Trump Disputes Russia’s Allegation of Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence

Post by : Mina Rahman

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump asserted that American intelligence found no evidence supporting the claim that Ukraine targeted a residence associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a recent drone incident, effectively dismissing Moscow's allegations.

Russia alleged that Ukraine launched drone attacks near Putin's official residence in the Novgorod region, with officials claiming air defenses intercepted the drones while condemning Kyiv for supposedly executing such actions during critical peace negotiations.

This assertion arose shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held discussions with Trump in Florida, focusing on a US-supported peace framework aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy firmly rejected Russia's accusations.

Upon returning to Washington after his trip to Florida, Trump informed reporters that US intelligence investigations concluded that Putin's residence was not the target of any strike.

Trump acknowledged the possibility of an incident in the vicinity but stated that no confirmed attack was directed at the Russian president’s premises. Following reviews, US officials concluded that such an attack likely did not occur.

Earlier this week, Trump expressed concern to Putin during a phone conversation, indicating his displeasure regarding the accusations. However, his tone shifted later as he raised questions about the reliability of Russia's claims, hinting that they could jeopardize peace efforts.

European officials have also rebuffed Russia's narrative, suggesting that the allegations may be intended to derail the peace negotiations.

Trump faces challenges in fulfilling his campaign pledge to swiftly end the Ukraine conflict and has exhibited frustration towards both Moscow and Kyiv. While recent conversations with Zelenskyy were described as constructive, Russia has maintained its stance that hostilities will not cease without its terms being addressed, including territorial control in eastern Ukraine and restrictions on Ukraine's military capabilities.