Russia Shares Drone Wreckage Video Near Putin’s Residence Amid Conflict Tensions

Russia released night-time footage of a destroyed drone this week, saying Ukraine tried to strike President Vladimir Putin's residence in the Novgorod region. Kyiv rejected the charge and said Moscow had provided no credible proof, while allies also questioned Russia's version of events.

The Russian defence ministry published the video, filmed in a snowy forested area, and said it showed the damaged drone that allegedly headed towards Putin's residence in north-west Russia. State media said the clip was recorded at night and distributed by the ministry, according to AFP.

Russia Ukraine drone attack video and claims over Putin residence

On Monday, Moscow said Ukraine had targeted one of Putin's presidential residences in the Novgorod region. Officials claimed 91 long-range attack drones were involved. The Kremlin later said it could not present extra visual proof because the drones were "all shot down." Kyiv firmly rejected that explanation.

According to AFP, Russia's defence ministry described the alleged strike as "targeted, carefully planned and carried out in stages". Officials in Moscow called the episode a serious security incident. Russian authorities said the apparent target was a secluded presidential compound used by Putin in the north-west of the country.

Russia Ukraine drone attack video, Zelensky denial and global response

Ukraine labelled Russia's accusation a "lie". Officials in Kyiv said there was no "plausible" evidence linking Ukraine to any drone strike on Putin's residence. Several Western partners also voiced doubts, AFP reported, and suggested Russia had not provided verifiable data supporting the claimed attack.

The Kremlin said the supposed operation against the residence in the Novgorod region amounted to a "terrorist act" and a "personal attack against Putin." Russian officials used this language while stressing the security risks. They did not release further technical details about the drones, beyond their claimed numbers and range.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Russia's statement as a "complete fabrication". AFP reported that Zelensky planned to meet allies in France on 6 January to continue discussions on peace efforts. Zelensky urged partners to check every Russian assertion about the drones and again questioned Moscow's evidence.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Zelensky repeated that the attack narrative had been staged. "Our negotiating team connected with the American team, they went through the details, and we understand that it's fake," AFP quoted Zelensky as saying. Kyiv said this review supported its position that the allegation lacked factual support.

However, United States President Donald Trump directed criticism at Kyiv after Russia made the claim. "You know who told me about it? President Putin, early in the morning, he said he was attacked. It's no good," Trump said. Trump added that it was "one thing to be offensive because they're offensive", but "another thing" to attack Putin's house.

The video from Russia's defence ministry, the strong denial from Ukraine, and mixed reactions from international figures left the alleged drone incident surrounded by uncertainty. With Moscow insisting on its account and Kyiv rejecting it, the dispute added another layer of tension to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.