The Incident: 91 Drones Over Novgorod
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that between late Sunday and early Monday, Ukraine launched 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region (Valdai).
- The Interception: Moscow claims all 91 drones were successfully destroyed by air defenses, with no reported casualties or structural damage.
- Retaliation Vow: Lavrov labelled the move “state terrorism” and confirmed that the Russian Armed Forces have already determined targets and timing for retaliatory strikes.
- Diplomatic Shift: Most significantly, the Kremlin stated it would now “revise” its negotiating position, though it currently intends to remain in the US-led peace process.
Trump’s Reaction: “Not the Right Time”
Speaking to reporters at Mar-a-Lago alongside Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump revealed that Putin himself informed him of the attack during a morning phone call.
- On Timing: “It’s a delicate period of time… This is not the right time to do any of that,” Trump said, appearing visibly irked by the potential disruption to his peace mediation.
- The Red Line: Trump distinguished between frontline combat and targeting a leader’s home, stating, “It’s one thing to be offensive… It’s another thing to attack his house.”
- The “Tomahawk” Factor: Trump noted his previous decision to withhold Tomahawk missiles from Ukraine was intended to prevent such escalations during this fragile diplomatic window.
Kyiv’s Rebuttal: “A Complete Fabrication”
President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media and held press briefings to vehemently deny the Russian narrative.
- The Motive: Zelensky called the story a “new lie” designed to undermine the 90% progress made in his Sunday meeting with Trump.
- The Warning: He cautioned that Russia is likely using this as a “false flag” operation to justify its own planned strikes on government buildings in Kyiv, including the Cabinet of Ministers.
- Counter-Claim: “Ukraine does not take steps that can undermine diplomacy,” Zelensky stated, adding that Moscow is simply looking for an excuse to refuse the latest peace framework.
Peace Process Snapshot: Status as of Dec 30, 2025
| Milestone | Status | Key Remaining Issue |
| US-Ukraine Plan | 90% Agreed Upon | Future of the Donbas region |
| Security Guarantees | Fully Finalized (15-year term) | European vs. US enforcement role |
| Russia’s Stance | “Under Revision” | Territorial demands and neutralizing Ukraine |