American intelligence agencies, including the CIA, have concluded that Ukraine did not attempt to attack Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region using drones. This refutes Moscow’s claims of an alleged massive attack by 91 drones on the night of December 29, 2025.
According to US intelligence sources, there are no signs of a targeted attack on Putin or his country residence, Dolgie Borody (Valdai). Instead, according to US intelligence estimates, Ukraine has been striking military targets in the same region, but located far from the presidential residence.
Russia accused Kyiv of attempting to assassinate Putin shortly after the Russian leader’s phone call with US President Donald Trump. The Kremlin said that all drones had been shot down by air defense systems and promised to review its position in the peace talks. However, Moscow did not provide convincing evidence: no photos or videos of debris in the area of the residence, nor testimony from local residents. Residents of Valdai reported that they had not heard or seen any signs of a large-scale attack.
Ukraine categorically rejected the accusations, calling them fake and an attempt to disrupt the progress in peace talks initiated with the mediation of the US. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia was looking for excuses to continue its aggression.
European officials and the US ambassador to NATO also expressed skepticism about Russia’s claims. Analysts suggest that the incident could have been used by the Kremlin to justify a tougher stance in the negotiations.
The situation is unfolding against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine. The White House has not yet commented officially on the intelligence assessments.