Moscow has accused Ukraine of attempting to launch a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in northern Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the allegation on Monday, saying it would lead to a reassessment of Russia’s position in peace talks. However, Ukraine dismissed the allegation as “complete lies.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that Ukraine sent 91 long-range drones to attack the president’s residence in the Novgorod region of northern Russia on Sunday night.

However, Russian air defense systems destroyed all of the drones. Lavrov said there were no casualties or damage.

Calling the drone attack “state terrorism,” he said, “Such reckless actions will be responded to. The Russian armed forces have already identified targets for counterattacks.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the allegations as “lies.”

He warned that Moscow was in fact making these false allegations to prepare the ground for attacks on government buildings in Kiev.

According to Zelensky, Russia is using this tactic to disrupt ongoing peace talks.

Impact on peace talks:

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov noted that the attack occurred at a time when discussions on a possible peace agreement were underway. He made it clear that Russia would not withdraw from the talks, but Moscow’s position would be reassessed in the event of an emerging situation.

It was not immediately clear whether Putin was at his northern residence, Borodye, at the time of the attack.

Historically, the residence has been used by top Russian leaders from Joseph Stalin to the current President Putin.

War situation in Zaporizhia worsens:

Amid diplomatic tensions, Putin on Monday ordered his forces to continue their operation to take full control of the Zaporizhia region in southern Ukraine.

According to information provided by the Russian commander, Moscow’s forces are only 15 kilometers from the largest city in the region.