Russia has warned Ukraine of a “non-diplomatic” response following what Moscow claims was a large-scale drone attack targeting President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the alleged attack took place overnight between December 28 and 29, involving 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles. He claimed all drones were intercepted by Russian air defences and that there were no casualties or material damage.
Read More: Ukrainian drone strike kills two in Russia’s Saratov
Lavrov described the incident as a serious escalation and said Russia’s negotiating stance could change despite its continued participation in US-mediated peace efforts. He added that potential targets and timelines for retaliatory strikes by Russian forces had already been identified.
‼️🚨Russia’s response to Ukraine’s attack on Putin’s residence will not be diplomatic, Zakharova stated
Let them not hope for that.
The official spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry also noted that Ukraine’s attack is a slap in the face to Trump from Kiev.
Absolutely.… pic.twitter.com/blUGvzv2yG
— Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil (@ivan_8848) December 29, 2025
The response to Kiev’s attacks will not be diplomatic – “let them not hope for it,” Maria Zakharova stated. pic.twitter.com/MwPYf9O5AO
— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) December 29, 2025
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova echoed the warning, stating that Moscow’s response would “not be diplomatic.” Speaking to Russian media, she described the alleged drone strike as unprecedented, particularly as it occurred while peace discussions were ongoing.
Zakharova accused Kyiv of deliberately undermining diplomatic efforts, calling the Ukrainian leadership a “terrorist group” and claiming the timing of the attack was meant to sabotage negotiations.
Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov said US President Donald Trump expressed shock during a phone call with President Putin. According to Ushakov, Trump was “outraged” and said he could not have imagined such actions from Ukraine at a sensitive diplomatic moment.
Read More: Russia launches massive drone strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine retaliates
Ukraine has strongly denied the accusations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia had fabricated the incident to derail peace progress and create justification for future attacks on Kyiv, including potential strikes on government buildings.
The exchange highlights the fragility of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, with both sides accusing each other of provocation. Analysts warn that rising rhetoric and threats of retaliation could further complicate negotiations already under strain.