PM Narendra Modi has stepped into the growing global unease surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war after reports surfaced of an alleged attack on the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The PM warned against actions that could worsen the conflict and stressed that diplomacy remains the only realistic path to peace.
PM Modi’s reaction comes at a sensitive moment, as international efforts to revive negotiations continue amid intense fighting and rising mistrust between Moscow and Kyiv. His statement adds India’s voice to global calls for restraint, even as competing narratives emerge from both sides of the conflict.
PM Modi Reacts to Reports of Attack on Putin’s Residence
PM Modi said he was “deeply concerned” by reports suggesting that the residence of the Russian President had been targeted. He cautioned that such developments risk escalating an already volatile situation.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “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.”
The statement underlined India’s consistent position of dialogue over confrontation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
What Russia Claimed About the Alleged Attack?
The controversy began after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Ukraine had attempted to strike President Putin’s state residence in Russia’s Novgorod region. According to Lavrov, the incident took place between December 28 and 29.
Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones, all of which were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defences. He described the alleged incident as “reckless” and labelled it “state terrorism,” warning that it would influence Russia’s stance in future negotiations.
It remains unclear whether President Putin was present at the residence at the time of the alleged attack.
Trump Reacts: ‘It’s Not the Right Time’
The development also drew a sharp reaction from US President Donald Trump, who is attempting to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Trump said he was informed about the alleged attack directly by Putin during a phone call.
Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said, “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 added, “I learned about it from President Putin, and I was very angry about it.” Trump’s remarks suggest growing concern in Washington that such incidents could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts.
China Calls for No Escalation
China also responded to the reports, urging all sides to avoid expanding the conflict. Beijing emphasised restraint and warned against actions that could widen the battlefield or deepen hostilities. China’s position aligns with its repeated calls for de-escalation and political solutions to the war.
Ukraine Rejects Allegations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Russia’s claims outright. He dismissed the allegations as false and accused Moscow of using such claims to avoid serious steps toward ending the war.
Zelensky said the accusations were “a complete fabrication” and insisted that Russia was unwilling to commit to meaningful peace efforts.
Diplomacy Under Pressure
The alleged attack has added fresh strain to fragile diplomatic channels. While military claims and counterclaims continue, global leaders are increasingly worried that symbolic targets could trigger unpredictable consequences.
PM Modi’s intervention highlights India’s attempt to balance relations with major powers while pushing for stability in a conflict that affects global security, energy markets, and food supply chains. As the war grinds on, voices calling for restraint grow louder—but whether they can slow the momentum of escalation remains uncertain.
