Zelenskyy warns of Russia's preparations for strikes on government buildings in Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia may be preparing strikes on government buildings in Kyiv, using fake accusations against Ukraine as a pretext for escalation. He said this on 29 December during an online conversation with journalists, DW reports.

Zelensky categorically denied the statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about the alleged attack by Ukrainian drones on the residence of the Russian president in the Novgorod region. According to him, this is an obvious fabrication, which is part of a typical Russian tactic to justify further missile and drone strikes.

The Head of State noted that a similar scheme had already been used before. He recalled the September missile strike on the building of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and urged citizens to be as attentive as possible, as the risk of attacks on the capital and government agencies remains

The President also linked the intensification of Russian rhetoric to the recent talks between Ukraine and the United States. According to him, the progress in relations between Kyiv and Washington is a failure for Moscow, which is not interested in ending the war and is trying to disrupt diplomatic efforts

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is not taking steps that could weaken diplomacy, while Russia is constantly resorting to provocations. He called on the United States, European partners and the international community to increase pressure to prevent the disruption of the movement towards peace

Earlier, Sergey Lavrov said that on the night of 29 December, Ukraine allegedly attacked Putin's residence with 91 drones. According to him, all the drones were destroyed, and no casualties or damage were recorded. At the same time, Moscow threatened retaliatory strikes and announced its intention to reconsider its negotiating position without leaving contact with the United States