ISTANBUL

China on Thursday urged against escalation after Russia accused Ukraine of drone attacks on the Kremlin in an attempt to kill President Vladimir Putin.

"All sides need to avoid taking actions that might further escalate the Ukraine crisis," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a statement, referring to Russia's war on Ukraine which started in February last year.

Russia on Wednesday said Ukraine attempted to strike the president's residence with two drones, which were shot down.

Putin was not injured in the attack and Russia reserves the right to take retaliatory measures, it added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials have denied Kyiv’s involvement.