The European Union’s top diplomat on Wednesday rejected Russia’s claims that Ukraine targeted Russian government sites, calling the allegations an attempt to distract attention and derail ongoing peace efforts.
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the claims were unfounded and should not be taken seriously. Writing on social media, she accused Moscow of trying to shift focus from its own actions in the war.
She said no one should believe claims made by an aggressor that has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians.
Earlier this week, the Kremlin alleged that Ukraine had tried to carry out a drone attack on one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residences near Lake Valdai in northwestern Russia. Moscow said it could reconsider its position in peace talks because of the alleged incident.
Russian officials and state media later repeated the claim, with some lawmakers using strong language. Russia’s defence ministry also released what it said was evidence, including a map and video footage of a downed drone.
However, the footage could not be independently verified. Ukrainian officials dismissed the material as unconvincing. Ukraine’s foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi described the Russian claims as laughable, according to Reuters.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also denied the allegation. He said the claim was linked to recent progress in US-led talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire and accused Russia of trying to disrupt positive momentum between Ukraine and its partners.
Zelensky warned that the allegation could be used as a pretext for further Russian strikes. While no damage was reported in Kyiv following brief air alerts overnight, several other parts of Ukraine were hit by drones, including the port city of Odesa, where civilians were injured and power supplies were disrupted.
Efforts to restart peace negotiations are expected to continue in early January with the involvement of US and European officials, but progress remains uncertain amid rising tensions and continued fighting.
With inputs from BBC