Overview
- Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and deputy head of the Security Council, used Telegram to threaten Volodymyr Zelensky with death and suggested displaying his preserved body in St. Petersburg’s Kunstkammer.
- Medvedev did not name Zelensky directly, but the context of his post and his reference to a recent Christmas remark made clear the target.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Ukraine attempted a 91‑drone attack on Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region, saying all drones were destroyed and there were no casualties.
- U.S. President Donald Trump said he was informed about the reported drone incident, expressed displeasure, and said there should be evidence to substantiate the claim.
- Zelensky denied any role and called the allegation a pretext for Russian strikes on government buildings in Kyiv, as independent verification of Moscow’s account remains lacking and both sides have generally avoided direct attacks on opposing leaders.