President Trump said U.S. checks found no evidence that Ukraine targeted President Vladimir Putin’s residence in a recent drone incident, contradicting Kremlin claims. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Kyiv of striking the Novgorod state residence, a charge Zelenskyy denied. Trump initially reacted angrily after speaking with Putin but later said U.S. officials found no indication the residence was hit. European officials warned Russia’s claim could undermine ongoing peace negotiations.
Trump Says U.S. Checks Found No Evidence Ukraine Targeted Putin’s Residence in Drone Incident
President Donald Trump departs on Air Force One from Palm Beach International Airport, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump said Sunday that U.S. checks found no evidence Ukraine targeted President Vladimir Putin’s residence in a recent drone incident, contradicting initial Kremlin claims that drew the president’s concern.
What Officials Report
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had accused Kyiv of launching a wave of drones at Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region and said Russian air defenses defeated the attack. Lavrov also complained the alleged strike came during delicate negotiations intended to end the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly denied the Kremlin’s allegation. Trump told reporters that “something happened nearby” the residence but that American officials found no indication the president’s home was targeted or struck.
Trump’s Reactions and Timeline
At first, Trump appeared to accept the Russian account, saying he had discussed the matter with Putin and that he was “very angry.” By midweek he softened his tone, posting a link to a New York Post editorial that questioned Moscow’s narrative.
“I don’t believe that strike happened,” Trump said as he returned to Washington after two weeks in Florida. “We don't believe that happened, now that we've been able to check.”
Diplomatic Context
European officials suggested Moscow may have advanced the allegation to undermine ongoing peace efforts. The report surfaced a day after Zelenskyy met with Trump in Florida to discuss a U.S. 20-point plan aimed at ending the war; both leaders said they had made progress in discussions at Mar‑a‑Lago.
Despite those talks, President Putin has shown little willingness to halt the conflict without securing major concessions, including control over parts of the Donbas region and strict limits on the size and weaponry of Ukraine’s postwar military.
Reporting: Associated Press. Madhani reported from Washington.
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