Peace hopes dented as Russia says Ukraine tried to attack Putin residence

Zelenskyy dismissed Russia's allegation as 'a complete fabrication' and the Kremlin's own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war

Russian President Vladimir Putin. File picture: Mikhail Metzel/AP

Russia accused Ukraine on Monday of trying to attack president Vladimir Putin's residence and vowed retaliation, providing no evidence for a claim Kyiv dismissed as baseless and aimed at derailing arduous peace talks.

The angry exchanges between the warring neighbours on Monday — including a statement by Russia that it was reviewing its stance in negotiations in response to the attack — dealt a new blow to prospects for peace in Ukraine.