Zelenskyy discusses Russian fake claim of attack on Putin’s residence with Merz
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday, 29 December 2025, according to the President’s Telegram channel.
The main focus of the discussion was the outcome of the meeting between the Ukrainian delegation and Donald Trumpin Florida, where the parties discussed a framework agreement to end the war. Zelenskyy briefed the German Chancellor on the key points of the talks held at Mar-a-Lago, including progress on most elements of the peace plan and the next steps on the diplomatic track. He expressed gratitude to Merz for ongoing coordination and advice that helped shape a common European position ahead of the visit to the United States.
An important part of the conversation was devoted to refuting what Zelenskyy described as the Kremlin’s latest provocation — a Russian fake narrative. This concerned Moscow’s claims of an alleged attempt by Ukrainian drones to attack Putin’s state residence in Novgorod Region on the night of 29 December. Zelenskyy stressed that such fabrications are part of Russia’s strategy to undermine the diplomatic process and justify further aggression. He emphasised that instead of producing new information manipulations, the Russian leadership should focus on engaging with Ukraine’s proposals aimed at restoring security and ending the bloodshed.
Chancellor Merz, for his part, reaffirmed Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its readiness to continue playing an active role in the peace process. Both leaders agreed that any diplomatic efforts must be based on strong positions both on the battlefield and in international politics, in order to prevent the aggressor from evading responsibility.
Zelenskyy concluded the conversation by calling on Russia to stop seeking pretexts to prolong the war and to finally begin working towards a sustainable peace based on international law.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that an alleged large-scale drone attack on Putin’s state residence in Novgorod Region had taken place on the night of 29 December 2025, calling it grounds to reconsider the terms of a peace agreement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has since stated that Russia will continue pursuing the objectives of its full-scale war against Ukraine in line with the plans of the Russian General Staff.
