Russia to review negotiating stance after claimed attack on Putin's state residence
Moscow will review its negotiating position after an alleged Ukrainian attempt to attack Russian leader Vladimir Putin's state residence, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said, according to news agency TASS.
Lavrov said Putin's residence in Novgorod Oblast was allegedly attacked by drones overnight into Monday. Moscow claims Russian air defenses downed 91 drones.
Russia's foreign minister stated that Russia plans to review its negotiating position after this. At the same time, Lavrov said Russia has no intention of exiting the negotiation process.
The minister also said objects for Russia's retaliatory strike have been identified, as well as the timing of the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting to journalists, denied information about an alleged Ukrainian strike on Putin's state residence. He explained that the Kremlin was dissatisfied with progress in negotiations between Ukraine and the U.S. and is looking for reasons to continue the war.
In addition, Zelenskyy suggested the Russian statement is a pretext for a new strike on Ukraine's capital, aimed in particular at government buildings.
"We already had this in September — there was a missile strike on Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers, you remember that. So everyone needs to be vigilant now, absolutely everyone. A strike on the capital could be carried out," the head of state warned.
Background
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. leader Donald Trump on Sunday.
The American president said the meeting brought progress toward ending the war. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said the 20-point peace plan is 90% agreed, including security guarantees for Ukraine reportedly approved at 100%.
After that, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that to stop fighting, Ukraine must withdraw its troops from beyond Donbas borders.
Before meeting Zelenskyy, Trump spoke by phone with Putin, calling the conversation "good and very productive."