The assessment is based on a review conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency, which found no evidence to support Russia’s allegation, a US official familiar with the findings said.
Washington, DC [US], January 1, 2026, BNN Web Staff: US intelligence agencies have concluded that Ukraine did not attempt to carry out a drone strike targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin or any of his residences, rejecting Moscow’s claim of an alleged assassination attempt, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The assessment is based on a review conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency, which found no evidence to support Russia’s allegation, a US official familiar with the findings said. The CIA has declined to comment publicly on the matter.
According to the intelligence review, Ukraine had been planning an operation aimed at a military target located in the same general region as Putin’s country residence but not anywhere near the site itself. US officials said available intelligence did not indicate any threat to the Russian president.
US President Donald Trump appeared to play down Russia’s claim by sharing a link on his Truth Social platform to a media editorial questioning the veracity of the alleged attack. Trump reposted a headline suggesting that Moscow’s narrative was undermining peace efforts.
The social media post followed a briefing by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who updated Trump on the intelligence assessment. US agencies monitor developments inside Russia using a combination of satellite imagery, radar tracking and intercepted communications, the report said.
Earlier, Trump told reporters he was “very angry” after Putin claimed during a phone call that Ukrainian drones had targeted his residence, known as Dolgiye Borody, in northwestern Russia. When questioned about whether US intelligence had confirmed the incident, Trump said it was possible the reported attack may not have occurred.
Ukraine has acknowledged responsibility for certain covert operations inside Russian territory but has firmly denied any attempt to target Putin personally. Ukrainian officials accused Moscow of using the allegation to strain ties between Washington and Kyiv and to weaken Ukraine’s position in US-backed peace negotiations.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed it intercepted dozens of Ukrainian drones allegedly headed toward Putin’s Novgorod residence and released video footage it said showed a downed explosive-laden drone. US intelligence officials, however, remain unconvinced by the evidence presented.
The allegation emerged shortly after Trump held an extended meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which the US president described as productive and positive. Trump also raised the possibility of visiting Kyiv as part of efforts to advance peace talks.
Citing the alleged drone incident, Moscow has warned of taking a tougher stance in negotiations and has launched additional drone attacks on Ukraine’s port city of Odesa.
The claim has prompted reactions from several countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply concerned” about the reports, while Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the incident “heinous.” The United Arab Emirates also issued a statement expressing concern.
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said he held consultations with national security advisers from Britain, France and Germany, as well as senior Ukrainian official Rustem Umerov.
He said the discussions focused on security guarantees and deconfliction measures aimed at ending the war and preventing its resurgence.
