German media: Russia claims Putin's residence was attacked by Ukrainian drones, Kyiv accuses

Russia accused Ukraine of launching dozens of drones toward the residence of Russian President Putin. Ukraine called the accusation a lie aimed at undermining the U.S.-led peace efforts.

On Monday, December 29, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said that Ukraine had launched "91 long-range drones" toward Putin's residence in Novgorod region between Sunday night and Monday morning. According to reports, all the drones were shot down with no casualties or property damage.

Lavrov stated, "Given that the Kyiv regime has completely degenerated and turned to a policy of state terrorism, Russia will re-examine its negotiation stance." However, he did not provide details or evidence.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called Russia's claims "a complete fabrication" intended to sabotage the peace process. However, US President Trump, after speaking with Putin earlier on Monday, turned his attention to Kyiv.

"I don't like it. It's not good," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida about the alleged attack by Russia. "Do you know who told me? It was President Putin." Trump added, "It's a sensitive time, and the timing is wrong."

Trump promised 15-year security guarantees

The current moment is critical for the Ukrainian peace process. Ukraine said it has agreed to 90% of the peace plan drafted by the US, including post-war security guarantees.

However, territorial issues remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Russia, which has been advancing on the battlefield for months, has repeatedly rejected any proposals that do not meet its maximum demands.

According to the Kremlin, Putin told Trump during their call on Monday that he still supports the peace process but, due to the so-called drone attack, he would "modify" Russia's negotiation stance.

Trump said that after his meeting with Zelenskyy on Sunday, the peace agreement was "very close" to being reached.

Zelenskyy announced on Monday that the US finally committed to providing security guarantees after the war - although the term is only 15 years, it could be extended. Zelenskyy had previously told the media that during his meeting with Trump last Sunday, he had proposed that the US provide longer-term security guarantees, "considering the possibility of 30, 40, or even 50 years."

In addition, territorial issues and the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine, which Moscow has occupied, remain unresolved.

As part of the post-war reconciliation plan, Putin has consistently demanded full control over the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. He said on Monday that his forces still plan to seize the region by force, as well as other regions in Ukraine that Moscow claims sovereignty over.

Source: DW

Original: toutiao.com/article/1852986221872192/

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