Kumar Bahukhandi
Russia claimed that Ukraine attacked Putin’s residence. (File Photo)
Amid reports of an attack targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern. Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting an attack with 91 drones, a claim denied by Kyiv. This development is expected to impact ongoing peace negotiations.
Tensions have escalated once again in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia alleges that Ukraine attempted to target President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region, west of Moscow, on the night of December 28-29. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, 91 long-range drones were used in the alleged attack, which were shot down by the Russian defense system. Russia claims that there were no casualties or damage in the incident. Prime Minister Modi has expressed concern over this.
Responding to the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply concerned by the reports of the attack on the Russian President’s residence. He stated that in the current situation, diplomatic efforts towards peace are the best way to end the conflict. PM Modi appealed to all parties involved to refrain from any actions that could undermine these efforts.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov termed the alleged drone attack “state-sponsored terrorism” and said that such reckless actions would be met with a response. He also stated that targets for retaliatory action by the Russian armed forces have been selected. However, Russia has not publicly released any concrete evidence to support its claims.
Ukraine has categorically denied the allegations, calling them false and an attempt to derail peace negotiations. Ukraine says that Russia is making such claims to deflect international pressure.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump revealed that Putin had informed him about the alleged attack in a phone call and that he was angered by it. However, he also reiterated that he still hopes a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine can be reached soon.
Trump recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida and said that both sides were very close to an agreement, although some complex territorial issues still remain.
