Russia claims Ukraine launched a drone attack on a presidential residence in the Novgorod region, vowing retaliation and a tougher negotiating stance. Ukraine denies the accusation, calling it a fabrication to justify further attacks and its own refusal to end the war. A US NATO envoy expressed doubt, deeming the timing suspect for a peace deal. Former President Trump stated Putin informed him of the alleged attack, but the White House and US intelligence agencies remain cautious, awaiting further intelligence verification.