Interfax Reports Lavrov’s Accusations Against Ukrainian Forces

Media outlet Interfax has reported Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s serious accusations against Ukrainian forces regarding an alleged drone attack on President Putin’s residence. The reporting has brought Moscow’s claims to international attention and sparked Ukrainian denials.
According to Interfax, Lavrov stated that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at the presidential compound in Novgorod region over December 28-29. The Foreign Minister characterized the alleged operation as reckless state terrorism and warned that Russia would respond with military force. Lavrov confirmed that despite successful interception of all drones by air defense systems, the incident would influence Moscow’s negotiating position.
President Zelensky categorically denied the allegations reported by Interfax and other outlets, characterizing them as fabricated propaganda designed to justify strikes on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. He argued that Moscow was manufacturing a false narrative to provide cover for planned aggression while undermining diplomatic initiatives with international partners. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to peace processes.
Russian authorities reported through various media channels that air defense networks successfully eliminated all incoming threats to the presidential property. However, Lavrov indicated that the alleged attack attempt warranted significant retaliation. He confirmed that Russian military planners had identified specific targets for potential counterstrike operations.
Zelensky called on the international community not to accept reported Russian claims at face value without critical examination. He specifically mentioned work with Trump administration representatives as potentially threatened by the allegations carried in Russian and international media. The Ukrainian president referenced Moscow’s history of attacking Ukrainian government facilities, including the Cabinet of Ministers building, as evidence of a pattern where Russia uses media channels to spread accusations about actions Moscow itself regularly commits. He stressed that international media consumers must apply critical analysis to Russian government statements rather than treating them as factually reliable.