The already fragile efforts to end the Russia Ukraine war faced renewed strain after US President Donald Trump said he was “very angry” over Russia’s claim that Ukraine attempted to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence in northern Russia. The remarks came after a phone call between Trump and Putin, during which the Russian leader allegedly briefed the US President about the incident.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump confirmed that he had learned about the alleged attack directly from Putin. He made it clear that such an action, if proven true, would be deeply troubling, especially at a time when diplomatic channels are actively being used to push for peace. Trump’s reaction underscored the sensitivity of the moment and highlighted how easily escalating accusations could derail negotiations.

“I don’t like it. It’s not good,” Trump said when asked whether the allegation could affect his mediation efforts. Emphasising his frustration, he added, “I learned about it from President Putin today. I was very angry about it.” His comments reflected concern not just about the alleged incident itself, but about its potential impact on ongoing peace talks.

Trump went on to stress that the timing of such an alleged act was particularly problematic. According to him, the current phase of the conflict is extremely delicate, with multiple diplomatic efforts underway to bring an end to hostilities. “It’s a delicate period of time,” he said, adding that attacking a leader’s residence crossed a serious line if confirmed.

The US President also acknowledged that while offensive military actions are part of war, targeting a personal residence carries a different and more dangerous implication. He warned that such steps could easily escalate tensions and reduce trust at a moment when dialogue is crucial.

When questioned about whether there was concrete proof to support Russia’s claim, Trump took a cautious stance. “We’ll find out,” he replied, indicating that the United States would look into the evidence before drawing conclusions. This measured response suggested that while Trump was angered by the allegation, he remained aware of the need to verify facts before acting.

Trump described his phone conversation with Putin as a “very good talk”, despite the seriousness of the issue discussed. He noted that negotiations to end the war involve “a few very thorny issues”, hinting at the complex territorial, security and political questions that continue to block a breakthrough between Moscow and Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of attempting to strike Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region, west of Moscow, using a large number of long-range drones. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that the attempted attacks occurred over two days, on December 28 and 29, involving 91 drones. According to him, all the drones were intercepted by Russian air defences, and no damage or injuries were reported.

Lavrov issued a strong warning following the allegation, stating that “such reckless actions will not go unanswered.” He went further, describing the alleged incident as “state terrorism” and claiming that Russia’s armed forces had already identified targets for possible retaliatory strikes. These remarks significantly raised the stakes and added to fears of further escalation.

Despite Russia’s strong language, no evidence was publicly presented to support the claim. Ukraine firmly rejected the accusation, with officials in Kyiv calling it a “complete fabrication” designed to disrupt peace talks and justify a tougher Russian stance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Kremlin of refusing to take genuine steps toward ending the war.

The sharp exchange of accusations further dented prospects for peace. Russia indicated that it was reviewing its position in negotiations following the alleged attack, suggesting that the incident could harden Moscow’s approach at the negotiating table. For mediators, including Trump, such developments complicate an already difficult process.

As tensions rose, Putin adopted a defiant tone. On Monday, he instructed Russian forces to continue their military campaign aimed at taking full control of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region. The Kremlin also reiterated long-standing demands that Ukraine withdraw its forces from the remaining parts of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. These statements signalled that Moscow was not backing down despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

According to a Kremlin aide, Putin told Trump during their phone call that Russia was reassessing its stance in light of the reported drone attack. This message appeared intended to convey both resolve and dissatisfaction, reinforcing Russia’s warning that the alleged incident would have consequences.

After speaking with Putin, Trump later addressed reporters outside his home in Palm Beach, Florida, where he acknowledged that he had no additional information about the alleged attack beyond what Putin had shared. This admission reinforced his earlier statement that evidence would need to be examined before any firm conclusions could be drawn.

The situation highlights the broader challenge of navigating diplomacy amid active conflict. Allegations, denials and threats of retaliation can quickly overshadow negotiation efforts, making it harder for mediators to maintain momentum. Trump’s reaction reflects this tension, balancing anger over the claim with caution about acting without proof.

For the international community, the episode serves as another reminder of how fragile the path to peace remains. Accusations involving high-profile targets such as a head of state’s residence carry symbolic weight and can inflame public opinion on both sides. Even when unproven, such claims can shape narratives and influence strategic decisions.

In conclusion, Trump’s strong reaction to Russia’s claim of a Ukrainian attack on Putin’s residence underscores the seriousness with which global leaders view the situation. While expressing anger and concern over the timing of the alleged incident, Trump also emphasised the need to verify evidence. As Russia and Ukraine continue to trade accusations and pursue military objectives, the future of peace talks remains uncertain, with diplomacy once again being tested by rising tensions and conflicting narratives.

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