Putin assassination attempt or staged drama?

Russia has released a video alleging that Ukrainian drones attempted to strike a residence linked to President Vladimir Putin, sparking sharp international debate and raising questions over the authenticity of Moscow’s claims.

The Russian Ministry of Defence said the alleged attack was a “highly coordinated operation” carried out by Ukraine, but claimed that Russian air defence systems successfully intercepted the drones. Kyiv has firmly denied the accusation, calling it a fabricated narrative designed to escalate tensions.

Major General Alexander Romanenkov of the Russian military said a total of 91 drones were launched from Ukraine’s Sumy and Chernihiv regions. According to Moscow, the drones were aimed at Putin’s residence near Lake Valdai in Russia’s Novgorod region.

Video footage released by Russian authorities shows soldiers standing beside the wreckage of what is described as a downed Ukrainian drone. Russian officials claimed the drone was carrying around six kilograms of explosives and characterised the incident as a direct and deliberate attempt on the Russian president’s life.

Ukraine has dismissed the allegations as a staged operation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on social media that Russia has failed to present any credible evidence to support its claims. Kyiv accused Moscow of inventing the story to derail ongoing peace efforts and intensify the war.

Ukraine also cited preliminary assessments by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which reportedly found no indication that Ukraine attempted to target Putin or his residence. U.S. officials believe Ukraine may have been planning an attack on a military target in the broader region, but not near the Russian president’s home.

The incident has prompted reactions from several countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over reports of an attack on the Russian president’s residence and urged both sides to exercise restraint. In a New Year message, Modi called for resolving the conflict through dialogue, stressing that diplomacy remains the only path to ending hostilities.

The United Arab Emirates and Pakistan also voiced concern over the reports. Ukraine, however, criticised what it described as international reactions to an event that never took place, calling them disappointing.

As the video continues to circulate online, doubts over its credibility persist, adding to already heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.