Central Asian leaders denounce alleged drone attack on Putin’s residence

(MENAFN) Leaders from Central Asia and Iran on Tuesday condemned an alleged drone attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence, which the Kremlin attributes to Ukraine.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed strong condemnation during a phone call with Putin ahead of the New Year. The two leaders also exchanged “warm congratulations” and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Russian-Uzbek strategic partnership and alliance, according to official statements from both countries.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev similarly condemned the alleged incident during a call with Putin. The Kazakh statement emphasized that such attacks hinder the peace process and the pursuit of a political resolution in Ukraine. Tokayev also welcomed progress in ongoing negotiations and exchanged New Year greetings with Putin, wishing prosperity to the peoples of both countries.

Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry voiced concern over the reported attack, calling it a threat to international security and stability. The ministry stressed Turkmenistan’s commitment to resolving international issues exclusively through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means, citing its permanent neutrality recognized by the United Nations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also condemned the alleged drone strike in a phone call with Putin. The discussion included Russian-Iranian cooperation in energy and transport infrastructure and addressed the Iranian nuclear program. The leaders additionally exchanged New Year greetings.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday that Kyiv carried out an attack using 91 unmanned aerial vehicles on Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region on the night of December 29. Lavrov noted that all drones were destroyed and no casualties or damage from debris were reported.

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