US Dismisses Moscow’s Accusation of Ukrainian Drone Assassination Attempt on Putin
US intelligence officials have refuted Russia’s assertion that Ukraine attempted to assassinate President Vladimir Putin with drones targeting his residence, concluding instead that any Ukrainian operation in the area aimed at a separate military site, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
A US official familiar with the findings told the WSJ that the Central Intelligence Agency’s assessment found no indication of an attack directed at Putin personally or his properties. The CIA has declined to comment on the matter.
Intelligence agencies determined that Ukraine planned to hit a military target in the general vicinity of Putin’s countryside retreat but at a significant distance from it, the official stated.
The controversy arose after Russia claimed Ukrainian drones were launched at Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region, known as Dolgiye Borody. Moscow’s defense ministry reported intercepting 91 drones and released footage of what it described as a downed explosive-laden Ukrainian drone in the snow.
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Ukraine has admitted to conducting sabotage and targeted operations inside Russia but firmly rejected any involvement in plotting against Putin. Ukrainian officials suggested the allegation was fabricated to undermine Kyiv’s position in US-brokered peace talks and sour relations with Washington.
Former President Donald Trump, briefed by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, appeared skeptical of the Russian claim. He shared a New York Post editorial on Truth Social questioning the incident’s validity, reposting the headline: “Putin ‘attack’ bluster shows Russia is the one standing in the way of peace.”
Trump had earlier expressed anger after Putin mentioned the alleged attack during a phone call, though he later told reporters it was possible the incident never occurred.
The accusation emerged soon after Trump’s lengthy meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which he called productive, and amid discussions of potential US efforts to advance peace negotiations.
In response, Russia warned of a tougher stance in talks and intensified drone strikes on Ukraine’s Odessa region. Leaders in Asia and the Middle East reacted with concern, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and a statement from the United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry.
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff held discussions with national security advisers from Britain, France, and Germany, along with Ukrainian official Rustem Umerov, focusing on security guarantees and mechanisms to prevent future conflict.