A recent open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Russian leader Vladimir Putin has sparked discussions surrounding contentious reports that suggested CIA involvement in a plot to assassinate Putin at his residence.
Zelensky’s letter did not directly claim responsibility for a drone swarm targeting Putin’s home in December, but he alluded to concerns about the “security of his residence in Valdai” on June 4. This letter came just before a series of drone attacks near St. Petersburg, confirmed by Governor Alexander Beglov.
The CIA concluded that no drone attack targeting Putin’s home occurred, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on December 31, 2025.
“We categorically reject allegations about the Ukrainian military conducting a drone strike on President Putin’s residence in Valdai,” stated Halina Yuszypiuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian embassy in Washington. Ukrainian officials, including Zelensky and Foreign Minister Andriy Sibikha, labeled these claims as fabrications designed to undermine diplomatic efforts and serve as a pretext for Russia to escalate tensions.
The CIA did not reply to multiple inquiries for comment.
‘are closely involved’
Russian officials have theorized that the disputed December incident may have had some CIA backing.
“I immediately said it wasn’t possible.” Alexei Chepa, Vice-Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, was quoted by the Puamo news agency.
Some journalists and military analysts speculate that the CIA could have played an indirect role by providing targeting information for the alleged attack on Putin’s residence.
“The CIA is fundamentally involved,” said geopolitical analyst Brandon Weichert. “U.S. intelligence, including the CIA, is intricately tied to the targeting of these strikes within Russia.”
A claim by Matt Bivens, former Editor-in-Chief of the Moscow Times, indicated potential CIA involvement in an attempt on Putin’s life at his home.
The drone swarm purportedly directed at Putin’s residence in Valdai was said to have occurred on December 29, 2025, as announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
When questioned about the supposed attack, President Donald Trump mentioned, “Do you know who told me about that? President Putin told me about it. He said he was attacked.” This statement was made on December 29, 2025.
Two days later, Trump shared a New York Post editorial that dismissed the attack as mere “lies.”
There was no response from the White House, the Russian Embassy in Washington, or the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
It’s time to end this war. However, Russia’s rulers want to continue the fight. That’s why Ukraine’s sanctions against this invasion are working. Last night, our drone flew a distance of about 1,000 kilometers to the St. Petersburg region, to enemy naval arsenals and bases… pic.twitter.com/IkdN8UE3QD
— Volodymyr Zelensky / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 6, 2026
Following Zelensky’s letter, a military drone attack targeted St. Petersburg. According to Beglov, the incident led to injuries and damage in the area.
Ukrainian sources reported that three tanks of oil products were set ablaze in the aftermath. Zelensky noted that these drones traversed approximately 1,000 kilometers to reach the St. Petersburg region.
In his letter, Zelensky remarked, “You claim to be satisfied with this war, unless you’re concerned about the safety of your home in Valdai or a parade in Moscow. Your own life is precious.” Valdai lies in northwestern Russia, between St. Petersburg and Moscow.
While the CIA dismissed the possibility of an airstrike, reports indicated that authorities had received authorization for precise attacks deep within Russia.
Weichert claimed that there had already been attempts on Putin’s life, citing instances where drones narrowly missed his helicopter.
Foreign Minister Lavrov publicly addressed the attacks, noting they coincided with critical discussions between Russia and the U.S. regarding the Ukraine conflict and affirmed their commitment to ongoing negotiations.
the empire strikes back
In a statement, the Russian military vowed to retaliate against Ukraine for the alleged attack on Putin. Shortly thereafter, they launched a hypersonic missile strike on essential infrastructure in Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video purporting to show a Ukrainian drone shot down during the attack on Putin’s home. Ukrainian officials dismissed this as laughable, insisting no such assault occurred.
Yusipiuk emphasized that Ukraine collaborates closely with the U.S. for defense and intelligence related to military support and self-defense against Russian aggression. She described allegations linking this cooperation to the attack as utterly unfounded.
Furthermore, she argued that these accusations represent a larger pattern of Russian disinformation meant to distract from its aggressive actions in Ukraine, complicating peace efforts.
Weichert speculated that removing Putin could escalate tensions dramatically, predicting a new regime in Russia would lead to heightened conflict with the U.S.
Drones have become a frequent element in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, although they often fail to hit their intended targets. Both nations have experienced drone incursions in various neighboring countries.
Documented plans regarding which drone factories could be targeted for retaliation have emerged, with speculation that Russia is considering attacks on locations in NATO countries.
