CIA concludes Ukraine did not target Putin’s residence in drone strike
CIA findings contradict Moscow’s allegations. Kyiv calls the claim a pretext to escalate war and stall peace talks
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has concluded that Ukraine did not target Russian President Vladimir Putin or one of his residences in a recent drone attack, US media have reported.
Various media, including The Wall Street Journal as well as the broadcasters PBS and CNN, cited unnamed US government officials in their reports published on Wednesday evening, contradicting serious accusations made by Moscow at the start of the week.
Initially, US President Donald Trump also criticised Ukraine for the alleged attack after a conversation with Putin.
Kyiv has vehemently denied attacking one of Putin’s residences, saying instead it was a Russian pretext to continue the war against Ukraine despite ongoing peace negotiations and to once again target government buildings in Kyiv with missiles.
On Wednesday, Russia presented possible evidence of the attack for the first time, including remnants of a purportedly Ukrainian drone. Many experts doubt that the attack described by Russia took place as claimed.
Citing US officials, the Wall Street Journal reported that the controversial Ukrainian drone attack was aimed at a military target in the same region as one of Putin’s residences – but not near the estate. This is also supported by a CIA analysis, the report said.