Peace Deal Discussions Cited as Context for Alleged Attack Timing

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has specifically cited ongoing peace deal discussions as context for the alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Putin’s residence, suggesting that the timing demonstrates Ukrainian bad faith. The framing has become central to Moscow’s argument for reassessing its negotiating position.
Lavrov stated that the alleged December 28-29 incident occurred amid active discussions about potential peace agreements between the parties. He characterized Ukraine’s supposed deployment of 91 long-range drones at the presidential compound in Novgorod region as particularly reckless given the diplomatic context. Lavrov warned that such actions during peace discussions warranted forceful Russian military response.
President Zelensky rejected Russian allegations entirely, arguing that Moscow was manufacturing false justification for strikes on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. He suggested that Russia’s claims were deliberately designed to sabotage diplomatic progress precisely because such progress was being made. The Ukrainian president emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to supporting peace initiatives rather than undermining them.
According to Russian accounts, air defense systems successfully intercepted all incoming drones despite the alleged attempt to attack during sensitive diplomatic discussions. Lavrov indicated that the timing of the supposed assault demonstrated that Ukraine could not be trusted in negotiations, necessitating reassessment of Moscow’s approach and expectations.
Zelensky called on the international community to recognize Russian manipulation tactics. He argued that Moscow’s framing of the alleged incident as occurring during peace discussions was itself part of a strategy to disrupt those very discussions. The Ukrainian president referenced Russia’s history of attacking Ukrainian government facilities while simultaneously claiming to pursue peace as evidence of this pattern. He stressed that preventing successful Russian manipulation requires recognizing that Moscow often intensifies false accusations precisely when diplomatic progress threatens to limit Russia’s military options.