Russian security forces have made a dramatic claim, stating they intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle that was targeting the official residence of President Vladimir Putin. The Federal Security Service (FSB) released video evidence of the incident, which it says occurred on the morning of December 31, 2025.
Footage and Details of the Intercepted Attack
The released video, disseminated by Russian state media, shows security personnel examining the wreckage of what appears to be a small, fixed-wing drone. The debris is scattered across a snowy field. According to the FSB, the unmanned aircraft was neutralized by electronic warfare systems before it could reach its intended target—the Novo-Ogaryovo residence, a compound west of Moscow frequently used by President Putin.
Authorities stated the drone was intercepted at approximately 9:00 AM local time. They emphasized that there were no casualties or damage to property on the ground as a result of the defensive action. The security service has launched a criminal investigation into the incident, framing it as an attempted terrorist act.
Moscow Points Finger at Kyiv
While the FSB's statement did not explicitly name a responsible party in its initial release, subsequent commentary from Russian officials and state-aligned media has squarely blamed Ukraine. This accusation comes amidst the ongoing, full-scale conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has seen previous long-range drone strikes deeper into Russian territory, including near the capital.
Russian authorities have portrayed this event as a direct attack on the head of state, elevating its significance beyond previous strikes on infrastructure or military targets. The Kremlin has yet to issue an official statement from President Putin himself regarding the incident.
Implications and Regional Tensions
This incident marks a serious escalation in rhetoric, if not in military action. Targeting a national leader's residence is a highly symbolic act, and Moscow's public release of the video is likely intended to galvanize domestic opinion and underscore narratives of being under direct threat.
As of now, Ukrainian officials have not commented on the Russian claims. Typically, Kyiv does not publicly claim responsibility for specific operations inside Russia. The event occurs against a backdrop of intensified aerial attacks from both sides as the war continues.
Security analysts note that the alleged targeting of Putin's residence, whether substantiated or not, will be used by Moscow to justify further mobilization of resources and potentially harsher retaliatory measures within its "special military operation" in Ukraine. The international community is closely monitoring the situation for any signs of a dangerous new phase in the conflict.
The release of the video on New Year's Eve adds a layer of symbolic timing, ensuring the incident dominates Russian news cycles during a major holiday. It reinforces the government's message of a nation under siege, even in its heartland, while the world watches for Ukraine's response and the next strategic move from the Kremlin.
