> At a Glance
> • U.S. officials found no evidence Ukraine struck Putin’s residence
> • Kremlin claimed Ukrainian drones hit the Novgorod compound
> • Trump initially voiced anger, now downplays the allegation
> • Why it matters: Moscow’s claim surfaced during sensitive peace talks
President Donald Trump on Sunday said American investigators have dismissed Russia’s accusation that Ukraine launched drones at Vladimir Putin’s official residence, reversing his own earlier reaction to the allegation.
The U.S. Assessment
Speaking to reporters after two weeks at his Florida home, Trump stated that “something happened nearby” the compound but emphasized that U.S. officials determined Putin’s residence was not the target.
“We don’t believe that happened, now that we’ve been able to check,” he said.
Kremlin vs. Washington
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had claimed:
- Kyiv sent a wave of drones at the Novgorod residence
- Russian defenses stopped the attack
- The strike endangered ongoing peace negotiations
President Zelenskyy swiftly denied the charge.
Trump’s Shifting Tone
Timeline of the president’s response:
| Day | Action | Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Phone call with Putin | Expressed anger over the claim |
| Wednesday | Social-media post | Shared New York Post article doubting Russia’s story |
| Sunday | Press briefing | Flatly rejected that Ukraine targeted Putin |
European officials told News Of Los Angeles they view the Russian accusation as an attempt to derail peace efforts.
Stalled Peace Push
Trump, who campaigned on ending the war “in one day,” has yet to produce a deal. After last week’s Mar-a-Lago meeting, both he and Zelenskyy reported “progress” on Washington’s 20-point plan, yet Putin insists on full control of the Donbas and strict limits on Ukraine’s military before halting hostilities.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. intelligence contradicts Russia’s drone-strike narrative
- Trump moved from alarm to skepticism within days
- Allegation emerged hours after Zelenskyy’s Florida visit
- Peace talks remain deadlocked over territorial demands
The episode highlights the fragile state of diplomacy as Trump struggles to deliver the quick resolution he promised voters.
