The Duran Podcast Russia claims drones targeted Putin's residence. Ukraine denies
4 snips
Dec 31, 2025 
Alexander Mercouris, a political analyst known for his deep insights into Russia-Ukraine relations, discusses recent drone strike claims targeting Putin's residence. He analyzes the credibility of Russia's account, pointing to past Ukrainian tactics and the silence from international leaders like Trump. The conversation delves into the implications of such attacks, Zelensky's potential involvement, and the historical context of covert operations. Mercouris emphasizes the strategic motives behind the strike and predicts possible Russian responses, shaping the geopolitical landscape.
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Russian Account Deemed Credible
- The hosts judge the Russian account of drone strikes on Putin's Valdai residence as credible based on circumstantial evidence.
- They cite prior Ukrainian assassination attempts, Zelensky's recent rhetoric, and state reluctance to feign an attack as reasons to believe it occurred.
Zelensky's Christmas Remark Highlighted
- Alexander Mercouris recounts Zelensky's Christmas remark, "May he perish," as evidence of intent.
- He pairs this with prior reported Ukrainian attempts on Putin to illustrate a pattern of behavior.
Why A Russian False Flag Is Unlikely
- The podcast argues Russia historically avoids fabricating attacks on its leader, making a false-flag less plausible.
- They reason cultural memory of leader assassinations makes Russian authorities unlikely to stage such a provocation.