U.S. Intel Says Ukraine Didn’t Target Putin in Drone Strike, CIA Finds
U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that Ukraine did not target Russian President Vladimir Putin or one of his residences in a recent drone operation, a finding that directly counters public claims from Moscow and highlights ongoing information warfare around the Ukraine conflict.
The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that U.S. national-security officials, backed by a Central Intelligence Agency assessment, found no evidence that Kyiv intended to attack Putin or his homes, challenging Russia’s allegation that Ukrainian drones struck toward a presidential estate in the Novgorod region.
According to unnamed U.S. officials, Ukrainian forces were instead believed to be aiming at a military target in the same broad region, not at Putin’s Valdai residence or any of his personal properties. The CIA reportedly declined to comment on its assessment.
The issue escalated after Russia claimed it had intercepted around 91 Ukrainian drones directed at Putin’s residence, releasing footage of what it said was a downed Ukrainian drone. Kyiv has denied such an attack took place, calling the claims fabricated and politically motivated.
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President Donald Trump, who was briefed by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, appeared to signal skepticism of Moscow’s version, sharing an editorial on social media suggesting Russia was hindering peace efforts and questioning the veracity of the claimed strike.
Moscow has since said it will provide the U.S. with decrypted flight data it contends proves the intent to target Putin’s residence, but independent verification of that material has not emerged.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions and mistrust in narratives about the war, with implications for U.S.–Russia and U.S.–Ukraine diplomatic efforts amid broader peace negotiations.
What happens next…
U.S. and allied officials are expected to press for greater transparency on the alleged drone data and emphasize independent verification ahead of further talks involving Ukraine and Russia.
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