Ukraine's alleged drone attack: Lavrov warns of retaliation against Kyiv!

Ukraine's alleged drone attack: Lavrov warns of retaliation against Kyiv!

A dramatic accusation from Russia is currently causing a stir: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused Ukraine of planning an attack on one of President Vladimir Putin's main residences. According to Lavrov, the presidential residence in the Novgorod region was attacked with 91 drones on December 28 and 29, but they were successfully intercepted by Russian air defenses. No damage or injuries were reported, making the situation even more mysterious. But Ukraine resolutely evades these accusations and speaks of a Russian lie that is intended to torpedo negotiations between Ukraine and the USA, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyj explained. He also calls for an appropriate response from the USA to the Russian threats that Lavrov made after he had promised retaliation.

The residence that is the focus of the allegations is Valdai. This property is considered a highly secure complex and is equipped, among other things, with a secret train station for Putin's train. According to reports, so-called fake offices have also been set up there that make it appear that Putin is still working in the Kremlin. Valdai is even considered to be better protected than the Kremlin compound itself and is described as one of Putin's favorite retreats. Alina Kabaeva, a former gymnast and Putin's partner and the mother of at least two of his children, is also mentioned in this context.

Reactions to the allegations

The allegations made by Russia against Ukraine are interpreted by Zelensky as an attempt to undermine the progress of talks between the two countries. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha also called on the international community to condemn the Russian claims. Zelensky also pointed to previous attacks in Kiev and emphasized that such accusations often only serve to distract from one's own military activities.

On the other hand, this incident could come up in an upcoming phone call between Putin and US President Donald Trump. Trump has been briefed on the situation and could therefore be drawn into talks involving not only Ukraine but also geopolitical tensions between the US and Russia. But how serious the alleged attacks actually are remains an open question, especially since it is unclear whether Putin was at the residence at the time of the alleged attack.

A complicated relationship

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated since the conflict began in February 2022. As the war in Ukraine continues to take a bloody course and Kiev tries to gain ground through counteroffensives, the relationship between the two countries remains strained. So far, it has also been suspected in Russian circles that there could be British involvement in the Ukrainian “provocations”, which further complicates the situation.

The Russian government's allegations are a new turning point in the already tense climate of recent years. How the situation will develop and whether retaliation will actually follow remains to be seen. What is certain is that such aggressive rhetoric could put additional strain on talks about a possible peace.

For further background information and details on current events, please visit:

• Bild.de
• ZDF.de
• Zeit.de