Kathrine Frich
Tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have sharpened after fresh accusations from the Kremlin.
As denials and warnings fly, attention has shifted to one of the most closely guarded places in Russia.
At the center of the dispute is a residence rarely acknowledged in official detail.
Alleged drone strike
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine attempted to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region during the night of December 28–29.
Russian agencies cited by Reuters, EFE and Agence France-Presse reported that 91 long-range drones were involved and that no one was injured.
“Such reckless actions will not go unanswered,” Lavrov said, adding that Russia would revise its negotiating position.
It remains unclear whether Putin was present at the residence at the time.
Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said Putin informed U.S. President Donald Trump of the incident by phone, warning that Moscow’s stance in peace talks would change.
Denials and reactions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the accusation, calling it fabricated.
“This alleged ‘residence attack’ story is a complete fabrication designed to justify further attacks on Ukraine,” he said, describing it as “typical Russian lies.”
Trump said he was “very angry” after being briefed. “It’s one thing to be offensive… it’s another to attack his house,” he said, according to remarks reported by Reuters.
Russian officials also suggested foreign involvement. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko claimed Britain had a hand in what he called Ukrainian provocations, an allegation London has not commented on.
Valdai retreat
The residence cited by Russian officials is commonly known as Valdai, after nearby Lake Valdai in Novgorod Oblast.
Unlike formal state residences such as the Kremlin, it is treated as a private sanctuary where Putin spends holidays and meets his closest allies.
Investigations by Alexei Navalny’s foundation and the Proekt outlet have described the compound as a self-contained town.
Reported features include a main building dubbed the “Golden Palace,” a multi-level spa complex, guesthouses, recreational facilities, and an Orthodox church.
Layers of security
Radio Svoboda and Radio Free Europe have reported extensive security around the site.
Satellite imagery has shown multiple Pantsir-S1 air defense systems positioned near the compound.
Proekt previously reported that a separate residence was built nearby for Alina Kabaeva, with restricted access and dedicated infrastructure.
Analysts say the Valdai defenses form part of a wider network protecting Moscow and its surroundings.
