‘Deeply concerned’: PM Modi urges diplomacy after alleged Ukrainian drone strike on Putin’s residence

In a post on X, PM Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position that dialogue remains the only sustainable path toward peace.

“Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any actions that could undermine them,” the Prime Minister wrote.

India has consistently advocated diplomacy since the war began in February 2022, with PM Modi repeatedly calling for restraint, dialogue and de-escalation.

'Drone attack' on Putin’s residence

The reaction from New Delhi followed claims by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who alleged that Ukraine carried out a large-scale drone attack on President Putin’s official residence located between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Lavrov said that 91 drones were intercepted near the residence in Russia’s Novgorod region, adding that no casualties or damage were reported.

However, he warned that the incident could impact Russia’s negotiating position in ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.

According to Lavrov, Moscow is now reassessing its stance in peace talks in light of what it described as a direct provocation.

Ukraine rejects allegations

Ukraine swiftly rejected Russia’s allegations, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissing the claims as a “typical Russian lie.”

Zelenskyy argued that the accusation was designed to justify fresh Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.

In a sharply worded post on X, Zelenskyy said Russia was attempting to undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States.

“This alleged ‘residence strike’ story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine and Russia’s own refusal to take steps toward peace,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that Ukraine had no interest in actions that could derail diplomacy and accused Moscow of repeatedly using such narratives to escalate the conflict.

Trump 'very angry' over alleged attack

Former US President Donald Trump also weighed in on the controversy, stating that he was informed about the alleged attack during a conversation with President Putin.

“I don’t like it. It’s not good. It’s not the right time to do anything like that,” Trump said, adding that he was “very angry” upon hearing about the reported targeting of Putin’s residence.

Despite his reaction, Trump claimed that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine was “very close” following discussions with Zelenskyy during his recent visit to the United States.

Fragile diplomacy amid rising tensions

Zelenskyy later announced that Washington had offered long-term security guarantees to Ukraine as part of a post-war settlement, though key issues—such as territorial control and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant—remain unresolved.

Russia has continued to press its claim over eastern Ukrainian territories, particularly the Donetsk region, while Kyiv insists that any peace must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The alleged attack, combined with sharp exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv, has once again highlighted the fragility of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Europe’s longest conflict in decades.