PM Modi Voices Concern Over Alleged Ukraine Attack on Putin’s Residence, Urges Diplomacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed concern over reports claiming that Ukraine had targeted the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring that diplomacy remains the only credible path to peace amid the ongoing conflict.

Reacting to the developments, Modi said he was deeply worried about actions that could further escalate tensions between Moscow and Kyiv. In a post on X, the Prime Minister urged all parties to stay committed to dialogue and avoid steps that could derail peace efforts.

“Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any actions that could undermine them,” Modi said.

His remarks came a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that Ukraine had attempted to strike President Putin’s state residence in Russia’s Novgorod region. Lavrov warned that the purported incident would have implications for Moscow’s approach to negotiations, according to reports.

The allegation also drew a sharp reaction from US President Donald Trump, who has been attempting to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Trump said he was “very angry” after learning of the alleged attack, adding that Putin had informed him about it during a phone conversation.

Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said, “It’s one thing to be offensive, because they’re offensive. It’s another thing to attack his house. It’s not the right time to do any of that.”

China, too, weighed in on the issue, urging restraint. Beijing called on all sides to prevent further escalation, stressing the need to avoid any spillover of the battlefield, as reported by Reuters.

Lavrov claimed that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones toward the residence between December 28 and 29, describing the move as “reckless” and alleging that all the drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defences. He characterised the alleged attempt as an act of “state terrorism.”

It remains unclear whether President Putin was present at the residence at the time. Ukraine, however, has rejected the claims outright. President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the allegations as “a complete fabrication,” accusing Moscow of lacking genuine intent to end the war.

The episode adds another layer of tension to an already volatile conflict, even as global leaders continue to call for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic engagement.