US President Trump denies Russian claim of attack on his residence

US President Donald Trump has clarified his stance on a recent incident involving Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence, stating that he does not believe Ukraine was responsible for the alleged attack.

According to reports, Russia’s Ministry of Defence had published a video showing a downed drone it claimed was launched by Ukraine at Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region. However, Ukraine has denied any involvement and accused Russia of conducting a false-flag operation to undermine peace negotiations.

Trump initially accepted the Kremlin’s version of events but later stated that “nobody knew at that moment” whether the report about the alleged incident was accurate. He also acknowledged that something happened near Putin’s residence, but US officials have reviewed the evidence and do not believe Ukraine targeted it.

The incident emerged as Russia and Ukraine work towards agreeing to a ceasefire deal to end the nearly four-year-long war. European leaders are set to meet in France on Tuesday for further talks on a US-backed ceasefire plan.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has reported casualties from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region. Two people were killed, including one found dead inside a medical facility that was set on fire during the attack. A woman was also injured, and 25 people were evacuated. Towns and villages across the Kyiv region were damaged, with critical infrastructure hit, leading to the killing of a man in his 70s.

Russia has not commented on the overnight strike yet. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a ceasefire plan is “90 percent ready”.

Source: Al Jazeera