Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism regarding claims that Ukraine targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence with drone attacks. Moscow alleges the incident occurred at Putin’s Valdai residence, situated between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Speaking from Air Force One, Trump stated, “I don’t believe that strike happened.” He further added, “Nobody even knows yet” if the Russian allegations, which Kyiv denies, are accurate. Trump also indicated his intention to broker a swift agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
“There are no deadlines for an agreement between Russia and Ukraine, but we will reach it soon,” Trump asserted.
Moscow claims that Kyiv launched 91 drones targeting the heavily guarded Valdai residence in the early hours of December 29th. Kyiv has dismissed the accusation as a “lie” intended to pave the way for new attacks and undermine diplomatic efforts.
The Kremlin warned last Tuesday that the alleged attack would lead to a hardening of its negotiating position in talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Facing skepticism from European nations and experts, the Russian Ministry of Defense released a video purportedly showing a downed drone used in the alleged attack. The video, filmed at night, depicts a damaged drone lying in a snow-covered wooded area. The ministry described the attack as “precise, meticulously planned, and executed in stages.” The Russian military also released a map illustrating the alleged flight path of the 91 drones.
Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that Ukraine launched a wave of drones targeting Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region, northwest of the country, but that Russian defense systems successfully thwarted the attack.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has also released data indicating that Ukraine targeted Moscow with drones.
