New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday voiced grave concern over reports claiming an attempted drone attack on the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for restraint and renewed focus on diplomacy as tensions sharpen in the Russia–Ukraine war.
In a post on X, Modi reiterated India’s consistent stand that dialogue remains the only durable route to peace. “Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities. All sides must avoid steps that could derail them,” he 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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2025
India has maintained this position since the conflict began in February 2022, with Modi repeatedly stressing de-escalation and talks over confrontation.
Russia alleges drone attempt
The statement from New Delhi followed claims by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who alleged that Ukraine attempted a large-scale drone strike on Putin’s official residence located between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
Ukraine has striked Putin’s state residence! Lavrov made a statement!
On the night of December 29, Ukraine attacked the residence of Russian President Putin in the Novgorod region.
Ukraine launched 91 drones, but all of them were destroyed. In light of this terrorist attack,… pic.twitter.com/o1CDtXVzaN
— Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil (@ivan_8848) December 30, 2025
Lavrov said 91 drones were intercepted in Russia’s Novgorod region, adding that there were no casualties or damage. He warned, however, that the incident could affect Moscow’s approach to ongoing peace negotiations, describing it as a serious provocation.
Ukraine dismisses charge
Ukraine firmly rejected the allegation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy termed it a “typical Russian lie,” accusing Moscow of fabricating the claim to justify further attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, and to weaken diplomatic initiatives involving the United States.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had no interest in undermining peace efforts and alleged that Russia routinely uses such narratives to escalate the war.
Trump reacts
Former US President Donald Trump also reacted, saying he was “very angry” after being briefed by Putin about the alleged incident. “It’s not good. This is not the right time for anything like that,” Trump said, while claiming that a peace deal was “very close” following recent talks with Zelenskyy.
Diplomacy on edge
Zelenskyy later said Washington had offered long-term security guarantees to Ukraine as part of a post-war framework, though major sticking points—territorial control and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant—remain unresolved.
Russia continues to assert claims over eastern Ukrainian regions, particularly Donetsk, while Kyiv insists that any settlement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The alleged drone incident and the sharp war of words between Moscow and Kyiv have once again underscored how fragile diplomatic efforts remain in Europe’s longest-running conflict in decades.
