Russia has released video footage which it claims shows a Ukrainian drone shot down near a residence used by President Vladimir Putin, alleging an attempted attack on the Russian leader’s home. The footage, shared by the Russian defence ministry, shows debris of an unmanned aerial vehicle lying in a snow-covered area, with officials saying the drone was intercepted before it could reach its target.
According to Moscow, the drone was launched from Ukrainian territory and was part of a larger overnight assault involving dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles. Russian authorities claimed air defence systems successfully neutralised the threat and that there was no damage to the residence and no casualties reported. The defence ministry described the incident as a “terrorist act” and accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting the Russian president.
Russian officials said the drone was carrying an explosive payload and suggested the incident reflected a new level of escalation in the ongoing conflict. Senior figures in Moscow warned that such actions could have serious consequences and may impact ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the war in Ukraine.
Ukraine, however, has firmly denied the allegations. Ukrainian officials dismissed the video as staged and said Russia had provided no credible evidence to support its claims. Kyiv maintained that it does not target civilian or residential locations and accused Moscow of spreading disinformation to justify further military action or to influence international opinion.
Western officials and independent observers have also expressed scepticism, noting that the video cannot be independently verified and that Russia has not allowed neutral investigators to examine the site. Analysts say the timing of the claim is significant, coming amid renewed diplomatic activity and discussions around possible ceasefire frameworks.
The alleged drone incident adds to a series of claims and counterclaims exchanged by Russia and Ukraine since the war began, highlighting the role of information warfare alongside military operations. Both sides continue to accuse each other of provocations and violations, while fighting persists along multiple fronts.
With no independent confirmation of the attack, the episode underscores the deep mistrust between Moscow and Kyiv and the challenges facing any effort to de-escalate the conflict.
Also Read: PM Modi greets nation on New Year
