Peace Process Faces Test as Accusations Fly Between Capitals

The peace process faces a significant test as accusations fly between Moscow and Kyiv regarding an alleged drone attack on President Putin’s residence. The controversy has introduced new complications into diplomatic efforts that many observers believed were gaining momentum.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of launching 91 long-range drones at the presidential compound in Novgorod region over December 28-29. He labeled the alleged operation as state terrorism and confirmed that while Russian air defenses successfully intercepted all threats, Moscow would implement military countermeasures. Lavrov indicated that the incident would necessitate reassessment of Russia’s negotiating position.
President Zelensky categorically denied Russian allegations, characterizing them as complete fabrications designed to justify strikes on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. He argued that Moscow was deliberately attempting to sabotage diplomatic progress, particularly efforts involving Trump administration representatives. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s actions consistently support peace initiatives rather than undermining them.
According to Russian accounts, air defense networks eliminated every incoming drone, preventing any damage to the presidential property. However, Lavrov maintained that the attack attempt itself warranted significant retaliation. He confirmed that Russian military leadership had prepared response options and identified specific targets for potential strikes, though he provided no additional details about timing or locations.
Zelensky appealed to the international community not to remain silent in the face of competing narratives. He warned that Moscow’s claims threatened to disrupt diplomatic momentum at a moment when various parties were working toward common ground. The Ukrainian president referenced Russia’s history of attacking Ukrainian government facilities as evidence of a pattern where Moscow accuses others of actions it regularly commits. He stressed that preventing successful Russian manipulation of peace processes requires sustained global attention and active engagement rather than passive observation.