China, India respond to alleged drone attack on Putin’s residence

(MENAFN) China called for “de-escalation” while India voiced “concern” following Russian claims that Ukraine carried out a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence.

At a regular press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that “Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the Ukraine crisis.” He outlined three principles for de-escalation: no battlefield expansion, no escalation of fighting, and avoiding actions that worsen tensions. “De-escalate the situation and accumulate conditions for the political settlement,” Lin added.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had claimed that Ukraine launched an overnight attack in the Novgorod region using 91 long-range drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied the allegations, stating the accusations aim to “undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts with President Trump's team.”

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the reported attack.

“Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation,” he said, stressing that “ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace” and urging all parties to avoid actions that could undermine these efforts.

In a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Putin reportedly said the alleged attack “will not go unanswered.” Trump commented that the situation “is not good,” acknowledging Putin’s report of the incident.

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