Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed serious concern over reports suggesting that Ukraine may have targeted the official residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing that diplomacy remains the only credible route to ending the prolonged conflict between the two nations.

In a message shared on social media platform X, PM Modi said he was troubled by the reports and appealed to all sides to avoid steps that could weaken ongoing peace initiatives. He reiterated that sustained diplomatic engagement offers the best chance to bring an end to the war and restore stability.

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, India has consistently advocated dialogue over confrontation, with PM Modi repeatedly calling for negotiations instead of escalation.

The reaction followed claims by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who alleged that Ukraine carried out a drone strike targeting Putin’s official residence located between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Lavrov stated that Russian air defence systems intercepted 91 drones in the Novgorod region and that the incident caused no casualties or damage. However, he warned that the alleged attack could prompt Moscow to reassess its position in ongoing peace talks.

Ukraine firmly denied the accusation. President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the claim as a fabricated narrative aimed at justifying renewed Russian strikes, particularly on Kyiv. He argued that such allegations were being used to undermine diplomatic efforts being pursued with the support of the United States.

Zelensky maintained that Ukraine was committed to diplomacy and accused Moscow of repeatedly taking actions that obstruct peace. He also urged the international community to remain alert and not allow misinformation to derail progress toward a negotiated settlement.

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump said he had discussed the issue with Vladimir Putin and expressed anger over the alleged targeting of the Russian leader’s residence, calling it inappropriate at a sensitive moment. Trump added that despite rising tensions, a peace agreement could be close, following his discussions with Zelensky.

However, major sticking points remain unresolved, including territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine and the future of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Recent sharp exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv have further clouded prospects for an early breakthrough.