Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed serious concern over reports that Ukraine attempted to target the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He stressed that diplomacy remains the only credible way to end the conflict and restore peace. Reacting to the reports, Modi said such developments could worsen tensions at a time when fighting continues.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any actions that could undermine them.”
Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025
Russia links incident to peace talks
Modi’s statement came a day after Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Ukraine tried to strike Putin’s official residence in Russia’s Novgorod region.
Lavrov warned that the alleged incident would influence Russia’s position in future negotiations.
Trump reacts with anger
US President Donald Trump also reacted strongly to the reports. Trump is currently trying to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters in Florida, he said he was “very angry” after learning about the alleged attack. Trump said Putin told him about the incident during a phone call.
“It’s one thing to be offensive, because they’re offensive. It’s another thing to attack his house," Trump said. "It’s not the right time to do any of that,” Trump further added.
He added, “I learned about it from President Putin, and I was very angry about it.”
China urges restraint
China also responded to the development. Its foreign ministry called for restraint from all sides. “We urge parties to abide by the principle of no spillover of the battlefield, no escalation,” the ministry said, according to Reuters.
Russia claims drone attack
Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at the residence over December 28 and 29. He described the move as “reckless” and said it would not go unanswered, Reuters reported. He said Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed all the drones. Lavrov also claimed the incident amounted to “state terrorism.”
It remains unclear whether President Putin was at the residence during the alleged attack.
Ukraine denies allegations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Moscow’s claims. He called the allegations “a complete fabrication.” Zelenskyy said Russia itself was unwilling to take the necessary steps to end the war.