Ukraine, EU officials dismiss alleged attack on Putin residence

(Reuters)

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Dec 31 – Ukrainian and European officials have rejected Moscow’s claims that Ukraine targeted a personal residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin with a drone attack this week, an incident that threatens to disrupt U.S.-led peace negotiations heading into the new year.

On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that Ukraine had tried to attack Putin’s residence in the northern Novgorod region with dozens of drones, adding that Moscow would review its negotiating position as a result.

U.S. national security officials have found Ukraine did not target Putin or one of his residences in a drone strike, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

The paper reported the conclusion was supported by a CIA assessment that found no attempt to target Putin or one of his residences. A CIA spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.

U.S. President Donald Trump initially expressed sympathy for the Russian charge, telling reporters on Monday that Putin had informed him of the alleged incident and that he was “very angry” about it.

By Wednesday, he appeared more skeptical, sharing on social media a New York Post editorial accusing Russia of blocking peace in Ukraine.

A source familiar with the issue said on condition of anonymity that Trump reposted the editorial after he was briefed on Putin’s allegations by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The source declined to disclose any details of Ratcliffe’s briefing.