Trump walks back claim Ukraine struck Putin residence as ceasefire talks advance

US President Donald Trump has played down Russian claims that Ukraine attacked the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Washington does not believe such a strike took place, after initially treating Moscow’s account as credible.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday, Trump said that “nobody knew at that moment” whether reports of the alleged incident were accurate. While acknowledging that “something” occurred near Putin’s residence, he said US officials reviewed the available evidence and concluded Ukraine did not target the site.

Ukraine swiftly denied any involvement, accusing Russia of staging a false-flag-style incident aimed at undermining ongoing peace efforts. Moscow, for its part, said the attack would harden its negotiating position.

Reports of the incident surfaced last week after Russia’s Ministry of Defence released video footage of what it described as a downed Ukrainian drone near Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region. The ministry said the residence was not damaged and that Putin was not present at the time.

Western governments, alongside Kyiv, have questioned whether the attack occurred at all.

The claim emerged at a sensitive moment, as Russia and Ukraine continue discussions aimed at reaching a ceasefire to end the nearly four-year-long war.

European leaders are expected to gather in France on Tuesday for further talks on a US-backed ceasefire proposal. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has said the plan is “90 percent ready”, though major disagreements remain, particularly over whether Ukraine should cede territory seized by Russia during the conflict.