President Donald Trump has suggested that attacks on a world leader’s home cross a line that complicates diplomatic efforts, following allegations of a Ukrainian drone strike on Vladimir Putin’s residence. Trump expressed his anger after learning about the incident from Putin directly.
Russian officials claim that Ukraine launched 91 unmanned aerial vehicles toward Putin’s Novgorod region property, all of which were intercepted by air defense systems. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that Russia would reconsider its negotiating position in response to what he characterized as “state terrorism.”
Trump’s remarks to reporters drew a distinction between conventional military operations and targeting leadership residences. He acknowledged Ukraine’s offensive capabilities but emphasized that attacks on a world leader’s home represent a different category that undermines progress toward peace.
Ukrainian President Zelensky firmly denied the allegations, describing them as fabricated propaganda intended to derail peace efforts. He accused Russia of creating a false narrative to justify planned strikes against Ukrainian government infrastructure and to sabotage diplomatic achievements.
The dispute threatens recent diplomatic momentum, particularly after Trump and Zelensky’s meeting produced positive signals about peace prospects. Putin’s subsequent conversation with Trump, during which the Kremlin announced Russia would reassess negotiations, demonstrates the controversy’s immediate impact.