Former Soviet republics react to Ukraine’s failed strike on Putin residence
Ukraine’s failed attempt to strike Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Novgorod Region has drawn swift reactions from several leaders in the former Soviet space. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has publicly condemned the incident, while Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev warned it threatened regional stability and long-term peace.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reported the incident on Tuesday, saying Kiev had launched 91 long-range drones at Putin’s home on the night of December 28–29. No damage was caused, he said. Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky denied the claim.
On Wednesday, Russia’s Defense Ministry released a flight map and video showing the debris of one of the UAVs that had been used in the failed strike, describing it as “targeted” and “carefully planned.”
The incident came shortly after US President Donald Trump indicated that the Ukraine peace process was nearing a conclusion, following his meeting with Zelensky and a phone call with Putin on Sunday.
Lukashenko described the attack as the “wildest terrorism at the highest state level.” Speaking to reporters in Minsk on Wednesday, he said Russia had the capability to strike Zelensky’s residences but chose not to do so. Lukashenko recalled that when Russia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile system was used for the first time, Putin categorically rejected suggestions from “hotheads” to deliver further strikes against “decision-making centers.”
“Actions threatening state facilities and the security of the country’s leadership are unacceptable and hinder the negotiation process,” Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said during a phone call with Putin, according to his press service.
“Such acts pose a threat to stability and security and undermine long-term peace,” Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during a phone call with Putin, according to the Kremlin press service.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokaev denounced the attempted attack during a phone call with Putin, while Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov voiced “extreme concern,” his spokesman Askat Alagozov said.
A number of international leaders have also commented on the incident, including US President Donald Trump, who said he was “very angry” after hearing the news.
Moscow has said the attack was an attempt to undermine Trump’s efforts to mediate an end to the Ukraine conflict. EU leaders held an emergency call after Russia reported the attempted strike, Bloomberg wrote, citing unnamed sources.
