Ukrainian Drones Target New Year Celebration in Kherson Region, 24 Killed

Russian authorities said armed Ukrainian drones struck a café and a hotel in Khorly, Kherson Region, during New Year celebrations on January 1, killing up to 24 civilians and injuring more than 50.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the strikes caused fires and mass casualties, adding that “several dozen civilians suffered,” with at least 24 confirmed dead, including one child.

The Russian Defence Ministry said more than 50 people were wounded and hospitalized. “There is literally zero doubt that the attack was preplanned as the drones were directed to a place where civilians celebrated the New Year.”

Russia’s Investigative Committee said it has opened a criminal case on terrorism charges.

The attacks followed public statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on peace during his New Year address and accused Kyiv of deliberately targeting civilians.

The statements came one day after Russia said data recovered from a Ukrainian drone shot down over the Novgorod Region on December 29 showed a planned strike on a facility at the Russian president’s residence. Moscow said the data would be passed to the United States through established channels.