Moscow Releases Video of Downed UAV Allegedly Aimed at Putin’s Valdai Home

KNT News Room:
===========
Russia has alleged that Ukraine carried out a drone attack targeting the residence of President Vladimir Putin in the Valdai district of the Novgorod region, claiming the attempt was a carefully planned operation carried out in multiple stages.

The Russian Defence Ministry on Wednesday released a night time video showing a damaged unmanned aerial vehicle lying in snow in a forested area. According to the ministry, the drone was brought down during what it described as a mass launch targeting a protected facility linked to the Russian leader. Officials said the incident occurred between the night of December 28 and 29, with the alleged attack beginning around 7:00 pm on December 28.

In a statement accompanying the footage, the ministry claimed the drone was fitted with a high explosive charge weighing approximately six kilograms and contained multiple striking elements intended to cause casualties and damage civilian infrastructure. Russian authorities said the residence itself was not damaged and did not disclose where Putin was at the time of the incident.

Moscow labelled the alleged strike a terrorist attack and described it as a personal assault on the Russian president, warning that it would harden Russia’s position in ongoing war related negotiations with Ukraine.

Ukraine, however, rejected the allegations outright. Kyiv dismissed the claims as a fabrication, accusing Moscow of attempting to manipulate international opinion and influence the peace process. The European Union also expressed scepticism, stating that the video appeared aimed at derailing diplomatic efforts.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in Florida, adding to its geopolitical sensitivity.

Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War said it had not observed independent footage or reporting typically associated with Ukrainian deep strike operations to substantiate the Kremlin’s claims. The institute noted that Russian officials may be using the alleged incident to reinforce long standing demands that Ukraine and Western countries accept Moscow’s original conditions outlined in 2021 and 2022.

The situation has added another layer of tension to an already volatile conflict, with conflicting narratives emerging over the authenticity and intent of the reported drone strike. [KNT]

Downed UAV with a 6kg explosive charge — Russian MOD publishes VIDEO PROOF of Ukrainian attack on Putin’s residence

The attempt was carried out on the night of December 28 to 29

WATCH report by the unit who took down 41 of the 91 drones sent by Kiev https://t.co/J9Tgd8yAJx pic.twitter.com/b7Yv55OlxP

— RT (@RT_com) December 31, 2025