Russia has accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out a deadly drone strike on a hotel and café in an occupied region of southern Ukraine, resulting in significant civilian casualties during New Year celebrations.
Deadly Strike on New Year Celebrations
On Thursday, Russian officials stated that at least 24 people were killed and more than 50 injured in the attack. The strike reportedly targeted the village of Khorly in the Kherson region, a coastal area near the Russian-controlled Crimean Peninsula. According to Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-installed governor of the region, the Ukrainian drone hit venues that were crowded with people marking the New Year.
Alleged "Terrorist Act" Targeting Putin's Residence
This claim emerges amidst heightened tensions following separate allegations from Moscow. Russia's defence ministry released night-time footage this week, which it claims shows the wreckage of a Ukrainian drone shot down near one of President Vladimir Putin's residences in north-west Russia.
Moscow described this alleged incident as a "terrorist act" and a "personal attack" on Putin. Russian authorities asserted that the drone was part of a "mass launch" targeting the Novgorod region residence on the night of December 28–29. They claimed that 91 drones were launched during the incident and all were intercepted by air defences. The ministry said the intercepted drone carried a six-kilogram explosive charge but caused no damage to the residence.
Kyiv Denies Allegations, Calls Them Fabricated
Ukrainian authorities have firmly denied targeting President Putin's residence, dismissing the Russian allegations as fabricated. The report of the attack on the Kherson hotel comes directly from the Russian-installed administration in the occupied territory. Independent verification of the details from the conflict zone remains challenging. Reuters noted it could not verify the alleged attack near Putin's residence.
The Russian defence ministry further characterized the alleged Novgorod incident as "targeted, carefully planned and carried out in stages." These escalating accusations mark a continued intensification of rhetoric and reported strikes as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists.
