The timing couldn't be more suspicious. Just as Zelensky sits down with Donald Trump to discuss peace, a brazen drone attack targets Vladimir Putin's residence. Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson tells RT: this wasn't Kiev's official move — it was a deliberate inside job to torpedo Zelensky and the fragile path to peace.
Is someone in Ukraine desperate to keep the war going at any cost?
Moscow reported a failed drone assault on President Vladimir Putin's state residence in Novgorod Region overnight from Sunday to Monday — precisely when Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky was in the US negotiating with President Donald Trump.
Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson, speaking to RT, called the timing "suspicious" and argued Zelensky "is not that stupid" to launch such an outrageous attack during crucial peace discussions.
“To do something so outrageous and so blatant while you are sitting there with Trump and your entire delegation to talk peace… There are clear elements in Ukraine that do not want peace, that are profiting too much from this war, and that were trying to sabotage [American mediation],” Johnson stated.
He pointed the finger at Ukrainian intelligence, possibly acting under orders from Kirill Budanov, head of the military espionage agency HUR. However, Johnson believes the more likely scenario is an internal plot by Zelensky's domestic opponents to force him out of power — potentially paving the way for popular former top general Valery Zaluzhny to take over.
If Zelensky were behind it, Johnson warned, it would give Trump every reason to permanently withdraw US support. Moscow, meanwhile, described the incident as a deliberate attempt to provoke Russian overreaction and derail peace talks.
Latest Update (December 30, 2025):
Russia's claim of 91 drones targeting Putin's residence remains highly disputed. No evidence has been presented, interception numbers contradict official reports (Defense Ministry reported only 41 over Novgorod), and independent sources confirm no resident reports or videos of such activity. Ukraine strongly denies involvement, calling it Russian propaganda to justify further strikes and undermine Trump-led negotiations.
Kiev has categorically denied any attack on Putin's residence. Zelensky accused Moscow of fabricating the story to prepare strikes on Ukraine's government district in Kiev.
Under martial law, Zelensky continues to hold presidential powers despite his term expiring last year. Polls show he would likely lose to Zaluzhny (or possibly Budanov) in any future election.
The full original analysis and interview: RT – Attack on Putin’s residence could be anti-Zelensky plot in Kiev – ex-CIA analyst
This developing story highlights the deep divisions within Ukraine and the high stakes in the Trump-mediated peace process. Who really benefits from prolonging the war?
Original article: Ex-CIA Analyst: Putin Drone Attack Was Staged to Sabotage Zelensky & Peace Talks on Planet Today 🚀
Automatically republished from the main blog.