The Kremlin said on Monday (Dec. 29) that Ukraine attacked the home of Russian President Vladimir Putin and warned that Russia’s position in peace talks to end the war could change.
According to the Kremlin, Ukraine aimed at Putin’s residence near St. Petersburg using 91 long-range drones. It’s unclear if Putin was in the residence at the time of the attack.
The Kremlin’s statement came just one day after Ukraine announced that both sides had agreed on most parts of a possible deal.
“We’ve done very well. We’ve had discussions on just about every subject,” US President Donald Trump said during a press briefing following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago residences in Florida US on Sunday.
The two praised the progress made in the peace talks, with Zelensky saying most parts of a possible peace deal are almost completely agreed on.
“We have great achievements, 20-point peace plan—90% agreed, and US-Ukraine security guarantees—100% agreed. US-Europe-Ukraine security almost agreed. Military dimension—100% agreed,” Zelenskyy said during the press briefing.
Russia says its position in the peace negotiations will be reviewed because Ukraine tried to attack President Putin’s residence in Russia.
“Given the complete degeneration of the criminal Kiev regime, which has shifted to a policy of state terrorism, Russia’s negotiating position will be reconsidered,” Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
Zelenskyy denies the claims of an attack on Putin’s residence, calling it yet another lie from Russia.
“Yesterday, we had a meeting with Trump. And it’s clear that for the Russians, it’s a failure. If we don’t have a scandal with America, if we have progress, it’s a failure for them.”
Zelenskyy added that Russia lies about an alleged Ukrainian attack to undermine the peace talks.
The Kremlin now warns it will retaliate, saying targets have already been chosen.
Before Moscow reported the attack on Putin’s residence, the Russian leader had already told his military to take full control over Ukraine’s Donbass region, despite Zelenskyy’s recent signal of the willingness to let go of the Donbass if it becomes a demilitarized zone.
“The liberation of Donbass and Kherson regions is being carried out in stages. Troops from the various groups are confidently advancing,” Putin said.
After announcing plans to continue fighting in the Donbass, the Kremlin was asked what would happen to the idea of a demilitarized zone in the region.
“At this time, we believe it is inappropriate to comment on individual points of discussion,” Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
He added that Ukraine’s forces should fully withdraw from the Donbass.
The Kremlin also said further talks between Trump and Putin are scheduled to take place soon.
