Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep concern over reports alleging an attempted attack on the official residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path to peace.
Reacting to claims made by Russian officials, the Prime Minister warned that actions which escalate tensions could undermine ongoing international efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, PM Modi said he was troubled by reports of the residence being targeted and urged all parties to avoid steps that could derail peace initiatives.
“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,” the Prime Minister stated.
The comments followed claims by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who alleged that Ukraine attempted to strike President Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region using long-range drones between December 28 and 29. According to Russian authorities, all drones were intercepted by air defence systems.
Lavrov described the alleged incident as “reckless” and warned that it could impact Moscow’s approach to future negotiations. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the accusation, calling it a “fabrication” and reiterating that Russia must take concrete steps to end the war.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who is attempting to mediate a peace agreement between the two countries, said he was “very angry” after learning about the alleged incident directly from President Putin during a phone conversation.
China also responded, urging restraint and calling on all sides to prevent further escalation, according to a statement from its foreign ministry reported by Reuters.
It remains unclear whether President Putin was present at the residence during the alleged incident.
