'Deeply concerned': PM Modi expresses worry as reports of drone strikes on Putin’s residence emerge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over reports that Ukrainian drone strikes targeted one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residences, calling the developments troubling as tensions persist in the Ukraine conflict.

Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that Ukraine launched 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) overnight at Putin’s state residence in Russia’s northwestern Novgorod region. Moscow later said it would reassess its stance in peace negotiations following the alleged incident. It remains unclear where Putin was at the time.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has flatly denied Russia’s claim that Kyiv carried out the drone attack on one of Putin’s residences, accusing Moscow of spinning the allegation to sabotage ongoing peace efforts.

Zelenskyy brushed off the accusation as “typical Russian lies”, saying it was designed to justify further attacks on Ukraine. He also pointed out that Russia itself has repeatedly targeted government buildings in Kyiv.

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Additionally, Ukraine has also expressed “disappointment and concern” over statements issued by India, Pakistan, and the UAE that voiced worries about an alleged attack, with Ukraine’s foreign ministry stressing that “no such attack happened.”

Almost a day passed and Russia still hasn’t provided any plausible evidence to its accusations of Ukraine’s alleged “attack on Putin’s residence.” And they won’t. Because there’s none. No such attack happened.

We were disappointed and concerned to see the statements by Emirati,…

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) December 30, 2025

‘The world must not stay silent’

Taking to X, Zelenskyy urged the international community not to fall for Moscow’s narrative.

“It is critical that the world doesn’t stay silent now. We cannot allow Russia to undermine the work on achieving a lasting peace, ” he wrote.

Russia, meanwhile, doubled down on its version of events. In a statement shared on Telegram on Monday, Lavrov claimed all 91 drones were intercepted by Russian air defence systems, adding that there were no casualties or damage. “Given the final degeneration of the criminal Kyiv regime, which has switched to a policy of state terrorism, Russia’s negotiating position will be revised,” he said.

At the same time, Lavrov insisted that Moscow did not plan to walk away from talks with the United States, according to Russian news agency Tass.

Peace talks and a narrow window

The allegation comes just a day after talks between the US and Ukraine in Florida, where Presidents Donald Trump and Zelenskyy discussed a revised peace plan to end the war. After the meeting, Zelenskyy told Fox News there was a “possibility to finish this war” in 2026—but only with continued US backing.

“My feelings of President Trump’s sanctions and economical steps, shows that he’s ready for very strong steps,” Zelenskyy said. “In this situation, the United States can move the situation to peace quicker.”

He was equally blunt about Putin’s intentions.

“I don’t trust Putin and he doesn’t want success for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy added.

What still stands in the way

Zelenskyy said the US had offered Ukraine security guarantees for 15 years, with Trump saying an agreement was “close to 95%” done. However, key sticking points remain, including territorial disputes and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Russia currently controls around 75% of Donetsk and nearly 99% of Luhansk, together known as the Donbas region, which Moscow wants to fully seize. Russia has already rejected major elements of the proposed peace framework.

Trump ‘very angry’ over alleged attack

The White House said Trump later had a “positive call” with Putin. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov claimed Putin told Trump the alleged attack happened almost immediately after what the US saw as a successful round of talks.

“The US president was shocked by this information, he was angry and said he couldn’t believe such mad actions,” Ushakov said.

Trump later told reporters he was informed by Putin and was “very angry”, adding uncertainty over whether the attack even occurred. “Well we’ll find out. You’re saying maybe the attack didn’t take place—that’s possible too, I guess. But President Putin told me this morning it did,” said Trump.