TNI Bureau: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over reports claiming that Ukraine targeted the official residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said that targeting the Russian President’s residence was a worrying development and stressed that diplomatic engagement remains the most viable path to end hostilities and achieve lasting peace. He urged all parties to avoid actions that could derail ongoing peace efforts. PM Modi has consistently advocated dialogue since the conflict began in February 2022.

The statement came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that Ukraine carried out a drone attack on Putin’s official residence in the Novgorod region, between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Lavrov claimed that 91 drones were intercepted and neutralised, with no damage or casualties reported. He also said Russia may reconsider its negotiating position in the ongoing peace talks.

Ukraine strongly denied the allegation. President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the claim as a fabrication aimed at justifying fresh Russian strikes on Kyiv and undermining diplomatic initiatives. He said Ukraine does not take steps that weaken peace efforts and urged the international community not to remain silent.

Former US President Donald Trump, who spoke to Putin before meeting Zelensky, said he was informed about the alleged attack and expressed anger over it, calling it an inappropriate action at a sensitive stage. He added, however, that a peace deal appeared to be close following talks with the Ukrainian leadership.

Despite ongoing diplomatic engagement, key issues such as territorial control and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain unresolved. Recent sharp exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv have further clouded prospects for peace, raising concerns about renewed escalation in the conflict.