Trump condemns alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's home

US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized an alleged Ukrainian drone attack targeting the personal residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, labeling the act a dangerous provocation during fragile peace negotiations. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump stated he was "very angry" about the incident, which he learned of directly from Putin, and questioned its timing amid ongoing US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Condemnation Amid Uncertainty and Denial

While condemning the alleged strike on a personal residence as crossing a line from battlefield operations, Trump also introduced doubt about whether it even occurred. "It is possible that the attack did not take place. We'll find out," he remarked. This uncertainty aligns with Kyiv's firm denial of responsibility. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the Russian accusation on social media, arguing it was fabricated to undermine diplomatic progress and justify further Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Connecting the Incident to US Arms Policy

Trump explicitly connected his disapproval to a recent shift in US military aid, referencing his administration's decision to halt the provision of Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine. "I didn't want that, because we're talking about a delicate period of time. This is not the right time," he explained, framing restraint as necessary for successful diplomacy. The president confirmed a Monday morning call with Putin, which he described as "very productive," despite acknowledging that "very thorny issues" remain on the path to a potential peace agreement.

Escalating Tensions and International Repercussions

The allegation has escalated diplomatic tensions. Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, claimed the attack threatened to revise Moscow's negotiating stance, while a presidential aide stated Putin warned Trump the incident "will not go unanswered." This development introduces a new volatile element into an already complex mediation process, with implications for international security. The situation is closely watched by key regional actors, including Türkiye, which has pursued its own diplomatic channel between Moscow and Kyiv and has a vested interest in Black Sea stability.