The residential complex of Vladimir Putin in Valday, Novgorod region (Russia); satellite image from August 31, 2023. 2025 PLANET LABS PBC/VIA REUTERS
At the end of talks held on Tuesday, December 30, between Ukraine's European and Canadian allies, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to set the record straight. "Transparency and honesty are now required from everyone – including Russia," he said in a message posted on his X account. He was referring to claims by the Russian leadership, which had repeated – without evidence – over the previous two days that one of Vladimir Putin's residences northwest of Moscow had been targeted by Ukrainian drones overnight on Sunday.
Vigorously and immediately denied by Kyiv, the alleged attack will lead to a military response. "The Armed Forces of Russia have already selected targets and the timing for retaliatory strikes," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Monday. As a further consequence, Moscow will toughen its position in negotiations with the United States. According to the Russian foreign minister, the "criminal Kyiv regime" launched 91 combat drones that night, which supposedly rained down on the presidential estate in Valday, Novgorod region. Protected by around a dozen anti-aircraft batteries, the luxurious estate is the main residence of Putin's partner, Alina Kabaeva, a former rhythmic gymnastics champion, who lives there with their two young sons, Ivan and Vladimir. Strikingly, the swarm of drones caused no casualties or damage. "All were destroyed," the diplomat insisted on Monday.
