Russia on Wednesday released a video to support its claim that Ukraine launched a drone attack near President Vladimir Putin’s residence in northwest Russia. Moscow said the drone was shot down before it could cause any damage.

According to Russian officials, the incident took place on the night of December 28–29. Air defence systems brought down the drone in a forested area close to the residence. However, Ukraine strongly rejected the accusation. Kyiv called the claim a “lie” and said Russia was trying to “manipulate” the peace process.

Video Shows Damaged Drone in Snow

Russia’s defence ministry released the video footage. It shows a damaged drone lying on snow-covered ground. The ministry described the incident as a “targeted, carefully planned” operation that was “carried out in stages.”

Russian Defense Ministry has released images of the wreckage of the drone that targeted Putin's residence in an assassination attempt. pic.twitter.com/65UU9RJhE7

— Aleksey Berezutski 🇷🇺🎖 (@aleksbrz11) December 31, 2025

Russian officials said the drone was part of a larger wave of UAV launches aimed at the president’s residence. Even so, they confirmed that the property suffered no damage. Authorities also did not disclose President Putin’s location at the time of the alleged attack.

Ukraine and EU Reject Moscow’s Claims

The timing of Russia’s announcement drew attention. The claim surfaced while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was holding talks with US President Donald Trump in Florida.

Kyiv dismissed the allegation outright. European Union officials also questioned the narrative. They described the video as an effort to undermine peace talks and disrupt negotiations aimed at ending the war.

Russia Calls Incident a Terrorist Act

Moscow labelled the alleged drone strike a “terrorist act” and a “personal attack” on President Putin. In response, Russian officials said the incident would lead to a tougher stance in ongoing peace discussions.

The Kremlin argued that the alleged attack supports its position in negotiations. It continues to demand full control over Ukrainian territories that Russia claims as its own.

Analysts Express Doubts

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) also cast doubt on Russia’s version of events. The group said Moscow had not provided the kind of evidence usually seen in confirmed long-range Ukrainian drone strikes.

The ISW noted that Russia failed to present supporting footage or additional proof to back the claim that Ukrainian forces targeted Putin’s residence.

As a result, international observers remain sceptical of Moscow’s account, while tensions around peace efforts continue to rise.