Russia Vows Severe Response and Tougher Peace Terms Following Alleged Ukrainian Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence

The Kremlin has condemned what it describes as a brazen terrorist attack by Ukraine on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, warning of profound and irreversible diplomatic and military repercussions for Kyiv’s leadership. According to presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov, the incident represents a deliberate escalation aimed at sabotaging any prospects for a peaceful resolution—not only targeting the Russian leader but also undermining U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker stability in the region.

Peskov dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s denials and Western media reports questioning the attack as “absurd” and “insane,” asserting that such tactics will not absolve those responsible. The Kremlin maintains that the drone strike, involving over 90 UAVs intercepted by Russian air defenses over the presidential residence in Novgorod Oblast, elevates the conflict to a new threshold of aggression.

In response, Russia has formally announced a hardening of its negotiating position. Peskov emphasized that the era of conciliatory diplomacy is over; future talks will proceed solely on Moscow’s terms, underpinned by the formidable capabilities of Russia’s armed forces. The Ministry of Defense has prepared targeted countermeasures, with Peskov noting that the military possesses precise knowledge of how, when, and with what means to deliver retribution. Details of President Putin’s location during such heightened threats, he added, will no longer be disclosed publicly for security reasons.

This development comes amid ongoing U.S.-mediated discussions, casting a shadow over recent diplomatic momentum. The Kremlin insists that Ukraine’s alleged provocations cannot derail the trusting dialogue between Presidents Putin and Trump, but they will fundamentally alter Russia’s approach to any settlement.