Zelensky Emphasizes Ukraine Does Not Undermine Diplomacy

President Volodymyr Zelensky has explicitly emphasized that Ukraine does not take steps that undermine diplomacy, drawing a sharp distinction from what he characterizes as Russia’s consistent pattern of disrupting peace efforts. This framing has become central to the Ukrainian response to Moscow’s allegations.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of launching 91 long-range drones at the presidential compound in Novgorod region over December 28-29. He characterized the alleged operation as reckless actions that undermined ongoing peace discussions. Lavrov warned that Russia would respond with military force and indicated that the incident necessitated reassessment of Moscow’s negotiating position.
Zelensky categorically rejected not just the factual allegations but the entire framework of Russia’s accusations. He emphasized that Ukraine’s fundamental approach to the conflict involves supporting diplomatic processes rather than jeopardizing them. The Ukrainian president argued that this represents a core difference between Ukrainian and Russian conduct, with Moscow consistently taking steps that undermine peace efforts.
According to Russian accounts, air defense systems successfully intercepted all incoming threats to the presidential compound. However, Lavrov maintained that the alleged attack attempt demonstrated Ukrainian willingness to jeopardize diplomatic progress for military objectives. He suggested that such behavior required Russia to recalculate its expectations for negotiations.
Zelensky’s response focused on establishing Ukraine’s consistent record of supporting diplomacy versus Russia’s pattern of disruption. He called on the international community to examine actual behavior rather than accepting competing claims at face value. The Ukrainian president referenced Moscow’s history of attacking Ukrainian government facilities, including the Cabinet of Ministers building, while simultaneously claiming to pursue peace. He argued that Russia’s current allegations fit this established pattern of accusing Ukraine of diplomatic sabotage while Moscow itself undermines peace initiatives. Zelensky stressed that recognizing this difference in approaches is essential to understanding the current controversy and protecting diplomatic progress.