Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound concern following reports of a drone attack targeting the official residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Indian leader emphasized that sustained diplomacy remains the most viable path to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Modi's Call for Restraint and Diplomatic Focus
In a significant statement on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi addressed the escalating tensions. "Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation," he wrote on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. He stressed that "ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace." Modi urged all parties involved to avoid actions that could undermine the fragile negotiation process.
This reaction came a day after Russian authorities made a startling claim. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the Ukrainian military launched 91 long-range drones at President Putin's state residence in the Novgorod region. Lavrov declared that this alleged incident, which he said occurred on December 28-29, would force Moscow to review its negotiating position. He labeled the act as "state terrorism" and indicated that targets for retaliation had been shortlisted. Russian air defences reportedly destroyed all drones, and no casualties were reported.
International Reactions: China, Pakistan, and Ukraine's Denial
The reports triggered responses from other nations, including India's neighbours. China's Foreign Ministry urged restraint, calling on all sides to adhere to three principles: preventing the spread of conflict, avoiding escalation, and refraining from provocations. Spokesman Lin Jian emphasized the need for conditions conducive to a political settlement.
Similarly, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the alleged attack. In a post on X, he stated that such an act constitutes a grave threat to peace and security, especially during ongoing peace efforts. He expressed Pakistan's solidarity with Russia and reiterated a firm rejection of violence aimed at undermining security.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the Russian allegations as a "complete fabrication." He accused Russia of using dangerous statements to sabotage diplomatic achievements, particularly referencing recent peace discussions with US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy revealed that the US had offered Ukraine security guarantees for 15 years, with territorial disputes and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remaining unresolved issues.
Diplomatic Context and Unverified Claims
The incident claims emerged amidst a delicate diplomatic phase. Lavrov's statement followed a meeting between US President Donald Trump and President Zelenskyy in Florida, where they discussed a revised peace plan. The Kremlin reported that Putin informed Trump of the drone incident, and the US president was said to be "shocked" and "angry." When questioned about evidence, Trump responded cautiously, saying, "We'll find out... maybe the attack didn't take place, that's possible too."
Adding to the ambiguity, the Kremlin declined to provide public evidence for the drone attack. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested that evidence was unnecessary given the scale of the alleged, thwarted attack. This development occurs as Russia maintains control over four Ukrainian regions: Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
Prime Minister Modi's intervention highlights India's consistent position advocating for dialogue and resolution in the Ukraine conflict, balancing its strategic relationships while calling for a return to peace.
