The European Union’s top diplomat has rejected Russia’s claims that Ukraine attacked Russian government sites, calling the accusations a deliberate attempt to distract from peace efforts.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia was spreading unfounded claims after alleging Ukraine tried to carry out a drone strike near one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. She said no one should believe accusations from a country that has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.
The Kremlin claimed Ukraine launched dozens of drones toward Putin’s home near Lake Valdai and warned it could reconsider its role in peace talks. Russian officials and state media repeated the claims, but provided limited evidence that could not be independently verified.
Ukraine strongly denied the allegations, calling Russia’s evidence “laughable.” President Volodymyr Zelensky said the claims were meant to derail recent progress in US-led ceasefire talks.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Russian drone attacks hit several Ukrainian cities, including Odesa, where an apartment building was damaged and civilians were injured.
Despite ongoing violence, Ukrainian leaders and civilians say they still hope for peace in the year ahead.
