Overview
- Russian officials, led by Sergei Lavrov, allege that about 91 Ukrainian drones targeted the Valdai residence, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would not present evidence.
- Kyiv rejects the accusation as a fabricated pretext to justify new strikes on government sites in Kyiv and to harden Russia’s position in negotiations.
- Open‑source analysts, ISW and investigative media report conflicting Russian tallies and timelines, no satellite or thermal signatures, no debris, and local residents who heard no air‑defense activity.
- President Trump said he was very angry after Putin briefed him by phone, yet acknowledged having no U.S. intelligence confirmation, drawing criticism from Republicans and a public caution from the U.S. NATO envoy that the incident remains unverified.
- The Kremlin signals a tougher negotiating stance without exiting talks, as Ukraine announces a security‑advisers meeting on January 3 and a leaders’ session on January 6 involving the U.S.