At a Glance
- President Donald Trump says U.S. officials found no evidence Ukraine targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s residence in last week’s drone attack.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Ukraine launched drones at Putin’s Novgorod residence.
- The claim surfaced just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Florida for talks with Trump.
- Why it matters: The dispute highlights tensions in U.S.-Russia relations amid ongoing Ukraine war negotiations.
President Donald Trump announced that U.S. officials had determined Ukraine did not target Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence in a drone attack last week, rejecting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s claim. The allegation came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flew to Florida for talks with Trump, and it has drawn criticism from European officials who view the claim as a distraction from peace efforts.
Russian Allegations and U.S. Response
Lavrov said Ukraine launched a wave of drones at Putin’s state residence in the northwestern Novgorod region, which Russian defense systems reportedly neutralized.
President Donald Trump told reporters that something happened nearby but that officials did not find the residence was targeted.
European officials argued the Russian claim was an attempt to undermine the peace effort.
President Donald Trump said:
> “I don’t believe that strike happened.”
- Lavrov claimed a drone wave struck Putin’s residence.
- Trump said the residence was not targeted.
- European officials see the claim as a distraction.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Day before Lavrov claim | Zelenskyy flies to Florida for talks with Trump. |
| Lavrov claim | Lavrov says Ukraine launched drones at Putin’s Novgorod residence. |
| Monday | Trump says he is “very angry” and acknowledges the allegation. |
| Wednesday | Trump posts New York Post editorial questioning the claim. |
| Sunday | Trump announces U.S. officials found no evidence of a strike. |
The dispute unfolded amid ongoing U.S. efforts to broker a 20-point peace plan and reflects the broader struggle between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin over the war’s outcome.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. officials found no evidence Ukraine targeted Putin’s residence.
- Lavrov’s claim was dismissed by Trump and European officials.
- The debate occurs while Trump and Zelenskyy seek a deal to end the war.
As the U.S. and Russia navigate the conflict, the incident underscores how diplomatic tensions can flare over perceived attacks, even as leaders work toward a resolution.
