President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russian accusations that Ukraine launched a drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, suggesting Moscow is using the incident to justify delays in peace talks.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that Ukraine deployed 91 long-range drones in a night-time attack on Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region of northeastern Russia. It remains unclear whether Putin was at the residence at the time.

In response, Zelensky dismissed the claim as “a typical Russian lie,” accusing Moscow of using the allegation to continue its aggression against Ukraine.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday via Telegram that all 91 drones were intercepted and destroyed by air defence systems, with no reported injuries or damage.

Despite the incident, Russian officials, according to the news agency Tass, indicated they have no plans to withdraw from ongoing negotiations with the United States.