Ukraine Drone Strike on Putin Residence Triggers Diplomatic Alerts from India, Russia, USA
Updated (2 articles)
Ukraine’s 91‑Drone Assault on Putin’s Novgorod Residence Russia reported that 91 long‑range Ukrainian drones attempted to strike President Vladimir Putin’s country residence in the Novgorod region north of Moscow, and that Russian air defenses intercepted them all [1][2]. The claim was made public on December 29 2025 and cited by both Indian and Russian officials as a serious escalation in the Russia‑Ukraine conflict. No independent verification of the drone numbers was provided in the sources.
India’s Prime Minister Calls for Diplomatic Restraint Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X on December 30 2025, saying he was “deeply concerned” by the reported attack and urging all parties to prioritize diplomatic efforts to end the Russia‑Ukraine war [1]. He warned that actions undermining talks could jeopardize peace prospects and reiterated India’s neutral stance amid the heightened tensions. Modi’s statement linked the incident directly to the broader call for de‑escalation.
Lavrov Says Attack Will Prompt Review of Negotiations Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed Ukraine’s drone strike on the residence and announced that Moscow would reassess its negotiating position in light of the incident [2]. He framed the attack as a factor that could shift Russia’s leverage in ongoing diplomatic talks. Lavrov’s remarks underscored Russia’s intent to use the event as a bargaining chip.
Trump Warns Hamas and Iran Amid Rising Tensions At a Florida press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former President Donald Trump warned Iran of fresh strikes and urged Hamas to disarm, using the phrase “hell to pay” to stress consequences [2]. The warning came as the drone attack narrative unfolded, highlighting a coordinated US‑Israel stance against regional adversaries. Trump’s comments added a new layer of pressure on Tehran and Gaza militants while the Ukraine‑Russia front remained volatile.
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
The Hindu: Modi Voices Deep Concern Over Reports Targeting Putin's Residence, Urges Diplomacy: Details Modi’s X post, his call for diplomatic focus, and Russia’s claim of 91 Ukrainian drones, dated Dec 30 2025
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[2]
The Hindu: Dec 30, 2025: Trump Warns Hamas and Iran after Netanyahu Talks; Centre Says Fake MGNREGA Demands Will Not Be Entertained: Covers Trump’s warning, Lavrov’s statement on the drone attack and its impact on negotiations, plus unrelated Indian policy notes
Timeline
Dec 30 2025 (01:00 UTC) – Donald Trump, standing beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, warns Hamas to disarm and tells Iran “hell to pay” if it pursues nuclear or missile rebuilding, signaling a hard‑line U.S. stance amid renewed regional tension. [2]
Dec 30 2025 (01:00 UTC) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claims Ukraine launched 91 long‑range drones at President Vladimir Putin’s Novgorod‑region residence, saying Moscow will reassess its negotiating position in light of the alleged attack. [2]
Dec 30 2025 – India’s Rural Development Ministry tells a parliamentary standing committee that it will not entertain any fake demands under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during the transition to the forthcoming VB‑GRAM G Act, underscoring tighter oversight of the flagship employment scheme. [2]
Dec 30 2025 – Australia announces that, starting 1 January 2026, all Indian exports will receive duty‑free access under the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, marking a milestone on the third anniversary of the pact and deepening bilateral trade ties. [2]
Dec 30 2025 – India pursues more than $30 billion in compensation from Reliance Industries and BP over gas output from the D1 and D3 fields in the Krishna Godavari basin; an arbitration tribunal has been hearing the case since 2016, with final arguments submitted in November. [2]
Dec 30 2025 – The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully test‑fires the Pinaka Long‑Range Guided Rocket (LRGR‑120) with a 120 km strike range from ITR in Odisha, after which the Defence Acquisition Council clears procurement proposals worth ₹79,000 crore, advancing India’s long‑range precision‑strike capability. [2]
Dec 30 2025 (10:30 UTC) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi posts on X that he is “deeply concerned” by reports of an attack on President Putin’s residence, urging all parties to avoid actions that could undermine diplomatic efforts to end the Russia‑Ukraine war. [1]
Dec 30 2025 (10:30 UTC) – Modi reiterates that ongoing diplomatic initiatives constitute the most viable path to peace, calling on the international community to stay focused on negotiations rather than military escalations. [1]