Donald Trump has dramatically reversed his stance on Putin’s drone attack claim after CIA briefing found no evidence supporting the Russian allegation
Donald Trump has dramatically shifted his position on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s allegations of a Ukrainian drone strike on one of his residences, following a CIA briefing that uncovered no evidence to back up the claims.
The about-face occurs as tensions escalate in US-mediated peace talks regarding the Ukraine war.
Initially, President Trump voiced fury over the supposed attack but subsequently showed doubt by sharing a scathing New York Post editorial on Truth Social.
The piece – titled “Putin ‘attack’ bluster shows Russia is the one standing in the way of peace” – claimed Moscow had concocted the incident to sabotage diplomatic efforts.
Trump’s repost, representing his most recent public statement on the issue as of early January 1, signals a complete reversal from his previous acceptance of the Russian account, reports the Express.
The furore began when Putin claimed, during a December 29 telephone conversation with the President, that Ukraine had launched more than 90 drones at a property in the Novgorod region.
Addressing journalists at Mar-a-Lago that same day, whilst standing beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump declared: “I am very angry about the claim. This is not the right time.”
He drew a distinction between this incident and standard military operations, remarking: “It’s another thing to attack his house.”
Whilst he recognised the potential for deception at the time, he initially gave credence to Putin’s version of events. However, a CIA assessment, briefed to Mr Trump by Director John Ratcliffe on December 31, concluded Ukraine was not targeting the Russian leader’s residence.
US intelligence established the drones were aimed at a nearby military facility previously hit, with no evidence of any intention to strike personal properties.
President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the allegation, declaring: “The claim is a complete fabrication.”
Whilst Russian authorities released footage of destroyed drones, they offered no evidence connecting them to Mr Putin’s home. The Kremlin reported downing 91 drones without damage or casualties.
This incident plays out amid a background of intensifying mutual drone attacks. On December 31, the Russian-appointed Kherson governor Vladimir Saldo alleged Ukrainian drones struck a cafe and hotel in the occupied village of Khorly, leaving two dozen civilians dead and wounding over 50, including children.
Posting on Telegram, Saldo declared: “Last night, the enemy carried out a deliberate drone strike on a venue where civilians were celebrating the New Year. Three drones attacked a cafe and a hotel in the settlement of Khorly on the Black Sea coast. According to preliminary reports, over 50 people were injured and 24 were killed.
“Many people were burned alive. A child was killed.”
Nevertheless, Ukrainian officials have not acknowledged involvement, and independent verification remains lacking, with pro-Ukraine sources highlighting a complete absence of reliable evidence beyond Russian state media coverage. Experts believe that Mr Putin’s assertion about drones might be a ploy to destabilise the American peace initiative, which encompasses ceasefire suggestions and territorial compromises.
EU officials have echoed US doubts, denouncing any targeting of civilians while advocating for de-escalation.
As the strikes escalate – with Ukraine attacking Russian oil facilities and Moscow bombarding Odesa – this incident underscores the fragility of diplomatic efforts. Mr Trump’s shift in stance could put a strain on US-Russia relations, although he has not made any further comments.
White House staff have turned down requests for clarification, but insider sources suggest that evidence from the CIA – indicating no intention to target – led to the change in approach. With peace negotiations at a standstill, this episode highlights the confusion inherent in information warfare during times of conflict.
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