American intelligence has poured cold water on Moscow's dramatic assertion that Ukraine launched a swarm of drones to assassinate President Vladimir Putin at his residence. A CIA assessment, shared with President Trump, concludes there was no such plot, labeling the Russian narrative as unfounded.

The controversy erupted late last week when Russia's Defense Ministry announced it intercepted 91 Ukrainian drones targeting Putin's "Long Beards" estate near Lake Ilmen in the Novgorod region. Officials released footage of a downed drone allegedly carrying explosives, framing it as a brazen terrorist act amid fragile peace overtures.

In a swift rebuttal, CIA Director John Ratcliffe informed Trump that satellite imagery, signals intelligence, and other data point to a legitimate Ukrainian strike on a nearby military installation—not Putin's home. "No evidence supports the Kremlin's claim of an assassination attempt," sources familiar with the briefing told reporters. Trump, who initially blasted the "outrageous" attack during a Mar-a-Lago press interaction, quickly shifted gears. He amplified a New York Post article on Truth Social accusing Putin of "bluster" and blocking peace, aligning with his administration's push for swift Ukraine-Russia negotiations.

Ukraine dismissed the allegations outright, with officials suggesting it's Kremlin propaganda to derail US-mediated talks. "Russia fabricates threats to justify escalation," a Kyiv spokesperson said, noting ongoing US aid and Trump's planned Zelenskyy summit. European Union representatives and even neutral voices like India's Narendra Modi expressed alarm but urged verification. Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif called for de-escalation, as Trump's special envoy Keith Witkoff consulted NATO allies on avoiding miscalculations.

This incident echoes past Russian claims—like "biolabs" or "dirty bombs"—often timed to influence diplomacy. With Trump pressing for a deal, including security pacts, the drone flap could either harden lines or force Putin to the table. Eyes now turn to potential Odessa reprisals and the next round of shuttle diplomacy.