Zelenskyy: dangerous statements from Russia aimed at justifying further attacks on Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed recent statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov regarding an alleged drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s state residence as “false” and “dangerous”, warning they are intended to justify further Russian strikes against Ukraine.

Lavrov claimed that Ukraine had targeted Putin’s state residence in Russia’s Novgorod region with drones, adding that Moscow would revise its negotiating position and that the timing and targets of a retaliatory strike had already been determined. Zelenskyy said these claims were part of preparations for new attacks by Russia.

“We have now heard very dangerous statements coming from Russia, which are clearly aimed at undermining all the achievements of our joint work with [US] President [Donald] Trump’s team,” Zelenskyy said. “We are working together to bring peace closer.”

The Ukrainian President added Moscow is seeking a pretext to strike government buildings in Kyiv. He described the allegations about an attack on Putin’s residence as a “fabricated story” designed to justify further attacks on Ukraine, particularly the capital.

“These are typical Russian lies,” Zelenskyy said, noting that Russian forces had already attacked Kyiv, including the building of Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers. He stressed that Ukraine is not taking any steps that could weaken diplomatic efforts, accusing Russia of consistently doing the opposite.

Zelenskyy also said such narratives are being used by Moscow to avoid taking meaningful steps toward ending the war, calling on the international community not to remain silent and to prevent Russia from derailing efforts toward peace.