Kherson Drone Attack Claims 27 Lives, Kyiv Refutes Civilian Targeting

On Friday, Russian officials reported that a drone strike, purportedly executed by Ukrainian forces, resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals in the village of Khorly, located in the Russian-controlled Kherson region. This incident occurred at a café and hotel where many were observing New Year’s Eve. Among the deceased were two minors, while 31 others, including five minors, sustained injuries and were hospitalized.

Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee, announced that a criminal investigation has been initiated, categorizing the event as an act of terrorism.

However, military officials in Ukraine vehemently rejected claims of targeting civilians. According to Dmytro Lykhovii, Ukrainian General Staff spokesperson, Ukrainian operations adhere strictly to international humanitarian standards, with targets limited to Russian military assets, energy infrastructures, and other legitimate entities. He highlighted that there were no Ukrainian attacks reported in Kherson's occupied territories during the New Year’s celebrations.

Lykhovii further accused Russia of disseminating misinformation to obstruct the currently ongoing peace negotiations.

This event unfolds as the United States intensifies diplomatic efforts to resolve the nearly four-year conflict. Earlier this week, Russia made allegations that Ukraine conducted a long-range drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, which Kyiv dismissed as tactics to hinder peace discussions.

In his New Year’s address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a peace settlement is “90% prepared,” albeit with critical issues like territorial disputes still pending resolution.

In related news, Russian sources reported a considerable drone strike on Zaporizhzhia, where nine drones targeted civilian infrastructure, but no casualties were reported.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched 116 long-range drones overnight, with 86 intercepted, while 27 successfully reached their targets. Conversely, the Russian Defense Ministry asserted that 64 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across various regions.

Additionally, Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region adjacent to Ukraine, reported missile strikes by Ukrainian forces on Belgorod, which injured two women and damaged residential buildings, commercial properties, and vehicles.