The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has informed US President Donald Trump that Ukraine made no attempt to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin, directly contradicting Moscow's claims that Ukrainian drones targeted one of his residences. This assessment, delivered by US intelligence, labels the Russian allegation as false and suggests a misrepresentation by the Kremlin.
Conflicting Narratives and Staged Evidence
Earlier, Russian authorities released videos showing what they described as wreckage from a downed drone and claimed to have decoded files proving an attack on a presidential residence. Ukraine swiftly dismissed the footage as "laughable" and accused Moscow of staging the entire incident. Officials in Kyiv argue this is a deliberate attempt to sabotage ongoing peace negotiations.
The alleged drone incident comes at a critical juncture, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announcing plans for a series of high-level "peace" meetings this week. These will involve national security advisors, military officials, and leaders from the Coalition of the Willing. Zelensky stated that while the political framework is nearly ready, intricate details on security guarantees must be finalised.
Deadly New Year Exchange and Civilian Toll
As the new year began, the conflict escalated with both sides exchanging drone strikes targeting energy infrastructure, according to local reports. In a particularly deadly incident, Russian officials claimed that on New Year's Eve, Ukrainian drones struck a cafe and hotel in the occupied village of Khorly, in the Kherson region. Moscow asserts the attack killed 24 people and injured at least 50, with one drone allegedly carrying an incendiary mixture.
Ukraine has denied targeting civilians. A military spokesperson told the Interfax Ukraine news agency that its forces "adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law" and strike exclusively at Russian military targets, fuel, and energy facilities. Meanwhile, Russia continued its own assaults, with regional head Oleh Kiper reporting drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in Odesa, damaging a residential building.
Defiant Rhetoric Amid Diplomatic Moves
The backdrop to these events features starkly opposing rhetoric from the two nations' leaders. In a defiant New Year's address, President Vladimir Putin vowed victory in Ukraine, rallying his troops amidst what he frames as an existential struggle with the West. This comes as President Trump seeks to broker an end to the nearly four-year-old war, Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War Two.
In a significant revelation, President Zelensky indicated that discussions with President Trump include the possibility of deploying US troops to Ukraine as part of future security guarantees, a move the White House has declined to comment on. As diplomats hail productive talks, the recent surge in violence and disinformation underscores the fragile and volatile path toward any potential peace deal.
