Two days after an alleged attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow has released video footage for the first time.
According to the Kremlin, Ukraine launched over 90 drones at Putin’s residence on Monday (Dec. 29).
After international calls for evidence to back up the claim, Russia released a video on Wednesday, showing one drone in a dark forest.
Neither the location nor the date of the video could be independently verified.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denies the claims of an attack, saying Russia is lying to undermine the peace process, which had been developing fast before the alleged attack.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump shared a New York Post article, which states that the drone strike likely never happened.
A day earlier, the US ambassador to NATO also cast doubt on the accusation that Ukraine attacked Putin’s residence. The ambassador said it’s unclear whether the attack actually happened, adding that he wants to see US intelligence on the incident.
The US continues working on a possible peace deal, speaking with Ukrainian and European officials.
Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff says they are “focused on how to move the discussions forward in a practical way on behalf of President Trump’s peace process.”
Meanwhile, in Kyiv, as snow fell on New Year’s Eve, Ukrainians wish for peace in 2026.
“On the eve of the holidays, we want to believe in something good, so we have to look for meaning,” said Valeriia.
Some say they were placing their hopes in Ukraine’s military and in relatives defending the country.
“My dad defends me, so I believe in peace and that everyone will return home,” said Olesia, 9-year-old daughter of a Ukrainian soldier.
Kyiv holds a special cemetery for fighters killed during the war in Ukraine.
Some people spent New Year’s eve with their fallen loved ones.
“For dad, these were special holidays,” said Anastasiia Kovalenko, daughter of a killed Ukrainian soldier. “He always wanted to spend time with us, so it’s very important for us to come here to remember dad.”
Her mother said she hopes peace can return to Ukraine, which was what her husband was fighting for, to end the war.
