August M
Fresh tensions have flared in the war in Ukraine after Russia accused Kyiv of targeting a residence linked to President Vladimir Putin, a claim Ukraine denies as talks over a possible peace deal reach a delicate stage.
The dispute risks complicating diplomatic efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump to bring the nearly four-year conflict to an end.
Retaliation warning
Russia said on Monday it would retaliate after alleging that almost 100 Ukrainian drones targeted one of Putin’s residences, reportedly in the Novgorod region.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that “such reckless actions will not go unanswered,” adding that Russian forces had already determined targets and timing for a response, according to NBC News.
Lavrov did not provide evidence for the claim or further details about the alleged attack.
Kyiv denial
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the accusation, calling it a lie intended to derail negotiations.
He said Russia could use the allegation as justification for strikes on government buildings in Kyiv. Zelenskyy has repeatedly accused Moscow of fabricating pretexts for escalation, NBC News reported.
Trump reaction
President Trump told reporters he had “just heard” about the alleged attack and said it would be “too bad” if true.
Trump added that Putin had mentioned the incident during a phone call earlier in the day. “It’s one thing to be offensive,” Trump said. “It’s another thing to attack his house. It’s not the right time to do any of that.”
The comments came a day after Trump expressed optimism about peace talks following meetings with Zelenskyy in Florida.
Peace talks progress
After nearly three hours of closed-door discussions on Sunday, Trump and Zelenskyy said they were “very close” to a deal and about “90%” of the way there.
Zelenskyy later said Trump was offering Ukraine legally binding security guarantees lasting 15 years, though Kyiv has asked for longer protections. “We would very much like the guarantees to be longer,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that Trump was open to considering an extension, including international monitoring and the involvement of partner nations.
Unresolved disputes
Key territorial issues remain unresolved, including control of eastern Donbas and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Zelenskyy said any final peace plan should be put to a referendum in Ukraine, which would require a ceasefire of at least 60 days. Moscow has rejected temporary ceasefires, insisting on a permanent settlement.
While the Kremlin agreed with Trump’s assessment that peace could be near, it reiterated demands that Ukraine withdraw fully from Donbas, NBC News reported.
Sources: NBC News
