A senior Russian military official on Thursday handed over what Russia claims is part of a Ukrainian drone to a US military attaché. Russian officials said the drone contained data showing Ukraine targeted a Russian presidential residence earlier this week.
Moscow Alleges Attack on Putin Residence
On Monday, Moscow accused Kyiv of trying to strike a residence of President Vladimir Putin in northern Russia’s Novgorod region. Russia said Ukraine launched 91 long-range attack drones during the alleged operation.
Russian authorities warned that the incident could affect ongoing talks with the United States aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. They said Moscow may review its negotiating position.
Ukraine and West Reject Russia’s Claim
Ukraine denied the accusation. Western officials also questioned Russia’s version of events. They said there is no confirmed proof that Ukraine targeted Putin or any of his residences.
Video Shows Drone Part Handed Over
Russia’s Defence Ministry posted a video on Telegram. It showed Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of Russia’s Armed Forces, handing over what he described as the drone’s control mechanism.
Russian officials said they recovered the device from fragments of a downed drone. Specialists then examined the data stored inside it.
“The decryption of the content of the memory of the navigation controller of the drones carried out by specialists of Russia’s special services confirms without question that the target of the attack was the complex of buildings of the Russian president’s residence in Novgorod region,” Reuters quoted Kostyukov as saying.
Russia Says Evidence Will Settle Doubts
Russian officials said they believe the information shared with the US will clear all doubts about the incident. “We presume that this measure will do away with any questions and allow for the truth to be established.”
Earlier, the Defence Ministry said on Telegram that it would hand over its findings to the United States.
Conflicting Reports From the US
The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that US national security officials found no evidence that Ukraine targeted Putin or his residences. Reuters said it could not independently verify the report.
Trump’s View Shifts Over Time
US President Donald Trump initially showed sympathy for Russia’s claim. On Monday, he told reporters that Putin had informed him about the alleged incident and said he was “very angry” about it.
By Wednesday, Trump appeared more doubtful. He shared a New York Post editorial on social media that accused Russia of blocking peace efforts in Ukraine.
Ukraine Calls Claim Disinformation
Ukraine again denied any role in the alleged attack. Kyiv described the accusation as a disinformation campaign. Ukrainian officials said Russia was trying to create tension between Kyiv and Washington. They linked the claim to a recent meeting between President Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.