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A top Ukrainian official has condemned a number of countries for endorsing Russia’s claims of a Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: Earlier this week, the Kremlin claimed that Ukrainian forces carried out a large-scale overnight attack using 91 long-range kamikaze drones aimed at President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in Russia’s Novgorod region. According to Russian officials, all drones were intercepted by air defenses with no casualties or damage. They also labeled the attack as a major escalation, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov calling it “reckless” and accusing Kyiv of pursuing “state terrorism,” while senior lawmakers said it amounted to an attempted assassination and warned retaliation was already planned. The Kremlin also said Putin briefed President Trump on the incident the following morning. Ukraine, however, has denied any involvement, with President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissing the claim as a politically motivated fabrication designed to derail peace efforts. He argued it would be virtually impossible for such a massive drone swarm to penetrate one of Russia’s most heavily defended regions without any evidence, warning Moscow may be using the allegation to justify renewed strikes on Ukrainian government buildings and civilian infrastructure.

What’s going on now: In a notable development, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha called out several countries, including India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, for issuing statements that appeared to legitimize what Kyiv insists is a completely fabricated drone attack. In a post on X, Sybiha expressed “disappointment and concern” over the endorsements of Russia’s narrative by these governments, especially given their silence following a confirmed Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian government building on September 7, 2025. “It is even more surprising,” Sybiha wrote, “given that all three states failed to issue any official statements when a real Russian missile struck the real Ukrainian government building.” He added that Russia’s pattern of spreading false claims is a “signature tactic” aimed at undermining diplomatic progress and manipulating international opinion.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the alleged drone strike as “a heinous act” and a threat to peace and stability, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “deep concern” and urged all sides to avoid escalations. The UAE also issued a formal condemnation of the supposed attack.

Meanwhile, several European Union nations and Western allies have aligned with Ukraine’s version of events, casting serious doubt on Russia’s claims. A French presidential aide stated that Paris found “no solid evidence to corroborate the serious accusations,” even after cross-checking intelligence with allied partners. Adding to the skepticism, local reports from residents in the Novgorod region claimed they were unaware of any air defense activity during the time Russia said the drone attack occurred.