Overview
- U.S. media report a non-public CIA assessment concluding Ukraine did not target Vladimir Putin’s Valdai residence, instead seeking a military site in the same region.
- John Ratcliffe briefed President Donald Trump on the assessment, and Trump subsequently amplified commentary critical of Moscow’s account.
- Moscow maintains its accusation, citing a video, flight paths and a claim of 91 incoming drones, while Kyiv denies responsibility and calls the allegation a pretext to toughen talks.
- The Kremlin warns of a harder negotiating stance as European officials accuse Russia of trying to derail diplomacy, with further adviser-level meetings planned to revive peace efforts.
- In a separate claim, Russian authorities say a New Year drone strike hit a café and hotel in Khorly, Kherson, killing at least 20–24 people, as Kyiv reports over 200 Russian drones targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.