Russias Military Toll in Ukraine Reaches Over 400,000 Casualties in 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence at Lake Valdai was reportedly targeted by an alleged drone attack, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. On December 29, Lavrov stated that Ukraine had launched a terrorist attack using 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the state residence of the president of the Russian Federation in the Novgorod Region.

However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha quickly denied the claim, stating that Russia had not provided any plausible evidence to support its accusations. Lavrov later presented photographs of drone debris lying in the snow, but the details of the attack, including the location and manufacture of the drones, could not be verified.

The Russian Ministry of Defence initially reported that only 41 drones had been downed in the Novgorod region on the night of December 28-29. However, an update later stated that another 49 drones had been shot down over Bryansk and one over Smolensk, with some flying towards the Novgorod region.

Ukraine observers pointed out that the alleged attack lacked typical evidence, such as footage or statements from local officials. In contrast, successful Ukrainian attacks on oil depots and refineries in Rybinsk and Rostov were well-documented on social media.

The incident occurred a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded talks with US President Donald Trump in Florida, which included a promise of US security guarantees for Ukraine following any peace agreement with Russia. Polish Premier Donald Tusk expressed optimism that the war could end early in 2026, citing the American declaration of willingness to participate in security guarantees.

Source: Al Jazeera