Medvedev Launches Harsh Attack on Zelensky Over Alleged Drone Strike

Russia's Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of attempting to derail efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict.

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Moscow

"The stinking Kiev bastard is trying to sabotage the settlement of the conflict. He wants war. Well then, at the very least, he will now have to hide for the rest of his worthless life," Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council

Medvedev made the remarks after Russia reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) attempted to attack President Vladimir Putin's state residence using drones. Russian air defense systems detected and intercepted 91 unmanned aerial vehicles. The alleged attack took place almost immediately after the United States announced a successful round of peace talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

Zelensky Accused of Lying

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that all statements made by Zelensky regarding the incident were false. She was commenting on Zelensky's denial of involvement in the alleged attack on Putin's residence.

"Lies are Zelensky's statements about Bucha. Lies are Zelensky's statements about children allegedly "abducted by Russia.' Lies are Zelensky's statements about Russia's supposed unwillingness to negotiate," Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman.

Zakharova also stated that Russia's response to the attack would not be diplomatic. "Let Kiev not count on that,” she said.

Rodion Miroshnik, Russia's ambassador-at-large, added that Zelensky had "outdone himself” in attempts to covertly sabotage negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement.

"The approach of terrorism to cancel negotiations has long been practiced by Zelensky — it's just that it has never escalated to this extent before," Rodion Miroshnik, Russian Ambassador-at-Large.

Trump Says He Was Angered by Alleged Attack

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was angered after learning of the reported attack on Putin's residence. He described a strike on the Russian leader's state residence as a negative development.

"I learned about this from President Putin, and I was very angry about it," Donald Trump, President of the United States

Trump added that his most recent conversation with the Russian president had been extremely productive. He spoke with Putin shortly before meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The U.S. president also commented on the prospects for peace in Ukraine, saying that several difficult issues still need to be resolved. According to Trump, Kyiv and Moscow are now closer to ending the conflict than ever before. He also allowed for the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving himself, Zelensky and Putin, saying it could take place "at the appropriate time.”

Zelensky Says Drone Attack Story Fabricated

Zelensky, for his part, once again denied that the Armed Forces of Ukraine were involved in the alleged attack on Putin's residence in Russia's Novgorod Region.

"This so-called story about a strike on the residence is fabricated,” Zelensky said.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukraine had attempted to attack Putin's state residence in Valdai. According to Lavrov, the massive drone attack took place on the night of December 29, 2025. No casualties were reported.

Lavrov added that the Russian Armed Forces are already preparing a response.