According to an aide, Russian President Vladimir Putin informed former U.S. President Donald Trump over the phone that Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, is reassessing its position in light of a reported drone attack.

Trump commented on the situation, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution. “We have a couple of issues that we’re going to get resolved, hopefully, and if we get them resolved, you’re going to have peace,” he stated.

In response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned the alleged attack, labeling it “state terrorism.” He warned that Russia’s armed forces have already identified targets for retaliatory strikes, emphasizing that such reckless actions would not go unanswered.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed the attack as a fabrication by Russia, aimed at justifying further aggression against Ukraine and obstructing the peace process. He called on global leaders to denounce Russia’s accusations.

In recent developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an agreement with Trump detailing security guarantees for Ukraine, though Trump mentioned they were only 95 percent complete. Zelenskyy further stated his pursuit of a 50-year security arrangement.

Russia continues to lay claim to the Donbas region, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. However, these areas are internationally recognized as part of Ukraine’s sovereign territory.

On Monday AEDT, Zelenskyy said a bilateral agreement had been outlined with Trump on security guarantees for Ukraine, although the US president said they were only 95 per cent ready. Zelenskyy later said he had sought a 50-year security deal.

It claims Donbas — comprising the Donetsk and Luhansk regions — as well as the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, although they are all internationally recognised as Ukraine’s sovereign territory.