Zelensky Calls Claims of Ukrainian Drone Attack on Putin Fabrication

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed allegations that Ukraine launched a drone attack on a Russian presidential residence, labeling the claims as a “complete fabrication.” This statement follows Vladimir Putin‘s communication with U.S. President Donald Trump, who was informed of the alleged attack during discussions on peace negotiations.

The Kremlin reported that Russia would reassess its position in ongoing discussions after what it alleges was a coordinated drone strike involving 91 drones targeting Putin’s residence in Novgorod. Ukraine has strongly refuted these claims, asserting that Moscow is using them as a pretext to justify increased military action against Ukraine and to derail peace efforts.

Negotiations and Security Guarantees

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov indicated that Trump briefed Putin on Washington’s involvement in negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict. “According to the Americans, during these negotiations, the American side aggressively pursued the idea of the need for Kyiv to take real steps towards a final settlement of the conflict,” Ushakov stated during a press conference.

Zelensky emphasized the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine, revealing that the U.S. has proposed a commitment spanning 15 years as part of a peace plan. He expressed a preference for extending this commitment to 50 years to deter future aggression from Russia. “Without security guarantees, realistically, this war will not end,” he said.

During a meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort on December 17, both leaders discussed the ongoing conflict. Trump remarked that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace settlement but acknowledged that significant issues remain unresolved, particularly concerning territory and military withdrawals.

Challenges and Ongoing Conflict

Negotiators are grappling with critical questions, including the withdrawal of forces and the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, one of the largest in the world. Zelensky has called for a national referendum to approve the proposed 20-point peace plan, although a ceasefire of at least 60 days is required to facilitate such a vote.

On the military front, Russia has intensified its attacks, striking various locations in Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv, with a barrage of missiles and drones over the weekend. Zelensky described these assaults as retaliation against ongoing peace discussions. Despite the challenges, Trump expressed optimism, stating, “I do think we have the makings of a deal,” and indicated that he would follow up with Putin after his discussions with Zelensky.

The conflict, which began in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and subsequent support for separatists in the Donbas region, has resulted in significant territorial changes. Russian forces currently control approximately 90 percent of the Donbas and substantial portions of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, according to Russian estimates.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, Zelensky remains focused on securing long-term support from allies. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that allies would convene in Paris in early January to finalize their contributions to Ukraine’s security guarantees. The complexity of achieving a lasting peace continues to challenge both nations as they navigate the tenuous path toward resolution.