Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Ukraine targeted the presidential residence in Novgorod using 91 long-range strike drones, all of which were intercepted by Russian air defences without causing casualties or damage, according to Anadolu News Agency.

However, Zelensky dismissed the claims, calling them fabricated and warning they could be used to justify future Russian attacks.

“With this statement about an alleged attack on some residence, they are preparing the ground to strike—most likely the capital and government buildings,” Zelensky said on December 29 while speaking to Ukrainian media, as quoted by The Kyiv Independent.

He added that Russia was seeking a pretext for escalation amid diplomatic developments. “It’s obvious that yesterday we had a meeting with President Trump. When there is progress and no scandal, it is a failure for the Russians. They do not want to end this war and are only capable of doing so under pressure. So they are looking for a pretext,” Zelensky said.

In a separate post on X, the Ukrainian leader accused Moscow of spreading falsehoods to justify continued strikes on Ukraine. “Although the Russians are spreading fakes to justify their attacks and prolong this war, the world’s key intelligence services must have the real information. Security guarantees, real recovery, and a lasting peace are needed by all of Europe,” he wrote.

The latest exchange comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts, following Zelensky’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, where the two reportedly discussed a revised peace plan to end the war.

Zelensky later told Fox News that a peace agreement with Moscow could be close after the talks at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.

According to BBC reports, the United States has proposed security guarantees for Ukraine lasting 15 years, with Trump stating that an agreement on this issue was “close to 95%” finalised.