Following Russia’s claims, the US NATO envoy said it was “unclear whether the attack on Putin’s residence actually occurred”

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) cast doubt on Russia’s accusation that Ukraine attacked President Vladimir Putin’s official residence, saying he would like to meet with U.S. intelligence agencies about the incident.

“We don’t know if that actually happened,” Whitaker told FOX Business’ “Varney & Company.” In an interview about the alleged incident, which Ukraine denies.

“It seems a little disrespectful that we are so close to a peace deal. Ukraine really wants to get a peace deal, but then they are trying to do something that seems reckless or unhelpful,” he said.

Russia announced on Monday (December 29) that Ukraine had attacked the presidential palace in the Novgorod region with 91 long-range attack drones. He said he intended to retaliate and would take a tougher negotiating stance during negotiations.

Ukraine insists Russia’s accusations are “lies” aimed at justifying further attacks on Ukraine, and its foreign minister said on Tuesday (December 30) that Russia was not providing evidence “because there is none.”

US President Donald Trump said on Monday (December 29) that Putin told him in a phone call that Ukraine had tried to attack his official residence. Trump said he was “very angry” about the incident. Asked if there was evidence of such an attack, Trump said, “We’ll see.”

The White House declined further comment on the alleged incident, while U.S. intelligence officials remain tight-lipped about the incident. The CIA declined to comment.

“We’re going to get to the bottom of the information, and the most important thing to me is what U.S. and allied intelligence agencies are saying about whether this attack actually happened,” Whitaker said.

After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Florida on Sunday (Dec. 28), Trump said the president and Zelenskyy were together. President Zelenskiy said that although the most contentious territorial issue remained, the two countries were “probably very close” to reaching an agreement to end the war.

“This story of an alleged ‘settlement attack’ is a complete fabrication aimed at justifying further attacks on Ukraine, including Kiev, and Russia’s own refusal to take the necessary steps to end the war. A typical Russian lie,” Zelensky said on Tuesday (December 30).

Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, says it controls just under a fifth of the neighboring country’s territory and that its troops are advancing.