ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday condemned a reported drone attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence that Moscow has blamed on Ukraine, describing it as a threat to ongoing peace efforts.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of firing “91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles” at Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region between late Sunday and early Monday, saying all of them were shot down.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met US President Donald Trump on Sunday for talks on ending the war, called Russia’s claim “a complete fabrication” designed to derail the peace process. He suggested Moscow was preparing to intensify its bombardment of Ukraine.
“Pakistan condemns the reported targeting of the residence of His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X.
“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 expressed solidarity with Putin, the people and government of Russia, reiterating Islamabad’s “firm rejection” of violence and acts threatening peace.
Russia’s allegations come at a crucial time as both sides remain engaged in peace talks with Washington.
Ukraine says it has agreed to 90 percent of a US-drafted peace plan — including the issue of post-war security guarantees — though the issue of territory in a post-war settlement remains unresolved.
Russia, which has stayed silent about what parts of the US plan it has agreed to, said Monday it was still committed to the peace process but would “revise” its position in light of the alleged drone attack.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, describing it as a “special military operation” to demilitarize the country and prevent the expansion of NATO.
Kyiv and its European allies say the war, the largest and deadliest on European soil since World War II, is an unprovoked and illegal land grab that has resulted in a tidal wave of violence and destruction.
