'Deeply concerned': PM Modi on reports of drone attacks at Putin's residence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin

• Modi concerned about alleged attack on Putin's northern Russia residence
• Russia claims Ukraine attacked his residence with drones, Ukraine denies the accusation
• World leaders urge restraint and focus on diplomatic efforts for peace

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed concerns after reports emerged of alleged attacks on the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any actions that could undermine them,” he wrote on X.

This came after Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday said that Ukraine had tried to attack Putin's residence in northern Russia and so Moscow's negotiating position would be reviewed. Ukraine, however, said it was a lie.

Russia said Ukraine attacked the presidential residence in the Novgorod region overnight with 91 long-range drones, which were all destroyed by Russian air defences. No one was injured and there was no damage, Lavrov was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the accusation as false, saying Moscow was laying the groundwork for attacks on government buildings in Kyiv and attempting to derail peace negotiations.

Reacting to the incident, US President Trump said he was very angry over the incident after learning about the same from Putin on call. "I don't like it. It's not good," Trump told reporters when asked if he was worried the allegation could affect his efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. "I learned about it from President Putin today. I was very angry about it."

"It's a delicate period of time. This is not the right time. It's one thing to be offensive, because they're offensive. It's another thing to attack his house. It's not the right time to do any of that," he said.

Earlier today, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the reported incident and said Pakistan rejects all forms of violence that threaten peace and security. "Such a heinous act constitutes a grave threat to peace, security, and stability, particularly at a time when efforts aimed at peace are underway," Sharif wrote on X.

"Pakistan expresses its solidarity with the President of the Russian Federation, and with the government and people of Russia. We reiterate our firm rejection of all forms of violence and acts intended to undermine security and threaten peace," he added.