Moscow/New Delhi, Dec 31: Russia’s defence ministry released footage of a Ukrainian drone wreckage allegedly shot down near one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences in northwest Russia, labelling it a “carefully planned terrorist act” during ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations.
The video, showing a damaged drone in snowy woods from the December 28-29 incident in the Novgorod region, claims 91 drones targeted the site, all intercepted by air defences. Officials said the drone carried a 6-kg explosive but caused no damage to the residence.
Ukraine rejected the claims as “fabrication,” with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling it a ploy to derail diplomacy. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Moscow of spreading falsehoods.
US President Donald Trump, briefed by Putin, criticised Kyiv, noting it’s “not the right time” amid claims a peace deal is “95% done.” Russia hinted at revising its stance, with targets selected in Ukraine.
