Tensions Rise as Russia Accuses Ukraine of Attacking Putin's Residence Amid Ongoing Peace Talks
Moscow has accused Ukraine of targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin's private home on Lake Valdai in northwest Russia, releasing what it claims is evidence including drone path maps and videos. However, the BBC could not verify the footage or confirm the location. A Russian investigative outlet noted that local residents did not report events consistent with the claimed drone attack involving 91 drones. Russia's defense ministry also shared a video of a local resident describing unusual noises.
The EU's top diplomat criticized Moscow's claims as a deliberate distraction and an attempt to derail ongoing peace talks. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas referenced the alleged attack in her social media post. Russian General Andrei Kartapolov described the attack as striking the heart of Russia, asserting there can be no forgiveness.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied the allegations, suggesting they were linked to the US-led effort to reach a ceasefire and aimed to disrupt momentum from recent talks, including his meeting with former US President Donald Trump. Overnight air alerts were briefly raised over Kyiv, but no hits or damage were reported.
Meanwhile, drones attacked multiple Ukrainian locations, with a large-scale strike in Odesa destroying an apartment block and injuring six people, including three children. More than 170,000 residents lost power amid temperatures struggling to rise above zero degrees Celsius. Odesa has faced sustained drone attacks for weeks, with the increased intensity following Putin's December threat to cut off Ukraine's access to the sea in retaliation for drone strikes on Russia's Black Sea assets.
Zelensky emphasized that peace negotiations should resume in early January with involvement from US and European officials. However, he noted that any deal would require Russian buy-in, which does not appear forthcoming at this time.
