Overview
- Russia alleges Ukraine launched 91 drones at Putin’s Valdai residence and says all were intercepted, later publishing a video and trajectory map that independent analysts say do not provide solid corroboration.
- Ukraine denies any strike, with Volodymyr Zelensky calling the claim a lie and saying partners can verify it is false, while Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha notes Moscow has offered no plausible proof.
- The Kremlin warns it will harden its negotiating position and threatens reprisals, as Vladimir Putin uses his New Year address to voice confidence in a Russian victory.
- European officials question Moscow’s account, with French presidential sources citing no solid evidence and the EU’s Kaja Kallas calling the accusations unfounded and aimed at derailing peace efforts.
- The dispute risks stalling talks after Trump said he was very angry based on Putin’s account, though meetings of security advisers in Ukraine on January 3 and allied leaders in France on January 6 remain on the calendar.