Russia toughens Ukraine peace stance after accusing Kyiv of drone attack on presidential residence

On December 30, 2025, the Kremlin announced it would toughen its negotiating position in talks to end the war in Ukraine after accusing Kyiv of launching a drone attack on a Russian presidential residence in the Novgorod region, approximately 360 kilometers north of Moscow. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed 91 long-range attack drones were shot down, with 49 over Bryansk, one over Smolensk, and 41 over Novgorod. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the alleged attack a 'terrorist action' aimed at collapsing negotiations and stated the diplomatic consequence would be a tougher Russian stance. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed the claims as baseless lies with no evidence, accusing Russia of using false-flag tactics to justify more attacks and prolong the conflict. The incident complicates U.S.-led efforts by President Donald Trump to broker a peace deal. Additionally, Russia attacked infrastructure in Ukraine's Odesa region, damaging a Panama-flagged grain ship and oil storage tanks at the ports of Pivdennyi and Chornomorsk, wounding one person. Meanwhile, Russia's nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system entered active service in Belarus.