Russia has claimed that it successfully extracted and decoded data from a Ukrainian drone allegedly downed earlier this week, stating that the drone’s intended target was a Russian presidential residence in the Novgorod region. Moscow added that it plans to share the decoded information with the United States.
Earlier this week, Russia accused Ukraine of attempting to launch a major drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, alleging that 91 long-range combat drones were deployed towards the northern Novgorod region. Following the claim, Moscow warned that it may reassess its ongoing negotiations with Washington regarding efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.
However, Ukraine and Western nations have strongly disputed Russia’s accusation, calling it unverified.
In a statement posted on Telegram, the Russian Defence Ministry said:
“Decryption of routing data revealed that the final target of the Ukrainian drone attack on December 29, 2025, was a facility at the Russian Presidential Residence in the Novgorod region.”
The ministry further added:
“These materials will be transferred to the American side through the established channels.”
Meanwhile, a report by The Wall Street Journal cited US national security officials saying that Ukraine had not targeted Putin or any of his residences. Reuters stated it was unable to independently verify the claims.
Mixed Response From the US
US President Donald Trump initially responded with concern, saying Putin personally informed him about the alleged drone incident and that he was “very angry” about it.
However, by Wednesday, Trump appeared to soften his stance, sharing a New York Post editorial that accused Russia of obstructing peace efforts in Ukraine.
Ukraine Denies Allegations
Ukraine has firmly denied carrying out any such attack. Kyiv labeled Russia’s claims as part of a disinformation strategy designed to cause tension between Ukraine and the United States, particularly after Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
As conflicting claims continue, the development adds another layer of diplomatic strain to already tense Russia-Ukraine-US relations.