Kallas Calls Allegations a Distraction from Peace Efforts
The European Union’s chief diplomat has dismissed Russia’s claims that Ukraine targeted Russian government locations, calling the accusations a deliberate attempt to divert attention from ongoing peace efforts.
Kaja Kallas responded on social media after the Kremlin alleged that Ukraine had tried to carry out a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. She warned against accepting such claims without evidence.
“No one should believe unfounded accusations from an aggressor that has repeatedly attacked Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilians,” Kallas wrote.
Kremlin Links Claims to Peace Talks
Earlier this week, Moscow accused Ukraine of attempting to strike Putin’s private residence near Lake Valdai in north-western Russia. Following the allegation, the Kremlin said it would reassess its stance in the current peace negotiations.
Since Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov first raised the issue, state media outlets and senior politicians have echoed the claim using increasingly strong language.
Andrei Kartapolov, head of the Russian parliament’s defence committee, described the alleged incident as a major provocation. “This is an attack on the heart of Russia,” he said, adding that such actions left “no room for forgiveness.”
Russia Releases Alleged Evidence
Although the Kremlin initially said it would not release proof, the Russian military later published what it described as evidence of the attempted drone strike.
The material included a map showing drones allegedly launched from Ukraine’s Sumy and Chernihiv regions, as well as a video of a destroyed drone found in snowy woodland. In the footage, a serviceman claims the wreckage belongs to a Ukrainian-made Chaklun drone.
Verification Remains Unclear
The BBC has not verified the video or confirmed the location where it was recorded. While the damaged unmanned aerial vehicle appears similar to Ukrainian-produced Chaklun drones, experts note that its components are inexpensive and widely available online.
As a result, the drone cannot be conclusively linked to the Ukrainian military.
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