A Ukrainian drone strike on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence would be “technically” feasible but strategically “foolish,” according to experts who spoke to the ABC. Moscow accused Kyiv on Monday of launching an attack on Mr. Putin’s state residence in Russia’s Novgorod region. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly refuted the allegations, calling them “another round of lies from the Russian Federation.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that Kyiv used 91 long-range drones in the alleged attack, prompting Russia to reconsider its stance on peace negotiations. Yet, experts argue the supposed attack “made no sense,” especially in light of recent progressive talks between the United States and Ukraine.
Putin’s Valdai Residence: A Fortress
The Dolgiye Borody residence, also known as “Valdai” and “Uzhin,” is situated on the shores of Lake Valdai in the Novgorod Oblast. The 40-hectare property is part of a government vacation resort within Valdai National Park. Surrounded by water on three sides and a fence on the fourth, the residence is heavily fortified.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), security around the residence has been heightened since May 2024. “Satellite imagery collected on May 6 indicates that Russian forces have concentrated at least seven Pantsir-S1 medium-range air defense systems around [the Valdai property],” the ISW reported. These systems are designed to counter short-range cruise missiles and drones.
Despite these defenses, experts note that the coverage is “meaningless at scale,” allowing Ukrainian drones to potentially bypass and strike from uncovered directions. Lavrov claimed these systems intercepted the missiles allegedly fired by Ukraine, although he did not confirm Putin’s presence at the residence during the alleged attack.
Strategic and Political Implications
Defense analyst Malcolm Davis from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute described the notion of Ukraine targeting Putin’s properties as “technically” possible but “strategically and politically stupid.” He argued that such an action would undermine any goodwill Ukraine has built with the Trump administration. “Putin would then be able to use that attack to justify escalation towards Ukraine,” Davis added.
In a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Putin reportedly informed him of the alleged attack. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov claimed Trump was “shocked” and “outraged” by the news. Dr. Davis suggested that Russia’s public accusations might be an attempt to derail the peace process. “When you look at Russia’s response to the peace process, it’s been to continue attacks on Ukraine,” he noted.
Putin’s Residences: A Web of Secrecy
Putin’s other residence, Novo-Ogaryovo, located west of Moscow, was also reportedly targeted by drones in May. Independent Russian outlets claimed that Ukrainian drone strikes predominantly targeted areas near this residence and other elite neighborhoods in Moscow. Satellite images from 2021 revealed a private helicopter landing pad, greenhouse, and church at the secluded property, surrounded by a 6-meter-high wall.
In November, a report by RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty suggested that Putin might be concealing his location, with “nearly identical” offices built in Novo-Ogaryovo, Valdai, and Sochi. These claims have fueled speculation about Putin’s whereabouts, especially after the main building of his Sochi residence was reportedly demolished in early 2024 due to fears of a drone attack.
International Reactions and Ongoing Conflict
Responding to the alleged attack, Trump expressed his displeasure, stating, “I was very angry about it,” and vowed to investigate the veracity of the claims. In Europe, Dr. Davis remarked that most nations view the attack as a “false flag” operation by Russia. “I think virtually everyone in Europe is on Ukraine’s side in this regard,” he said.
Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Ukraine have intensified over the past few months. Peter Dickinson, editor of the Atlantic Council’s UkraineAlert, reported from Kyiv that attacks are “almost nightly,” involving hundreds of drones. “We’re talking about massive, three or four-meter wide, jet-propelled … flying bombs, essentially,” he explained, highlighting the ongoing danger and disruption for Ukrainian civilians.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community remains watchful, with the potential for further geopolitical ramifications. The situation underscores the fragile nature of peace efforts and the complexities of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
