Russia Claims 24 Killed in Alleged Ukrainian Drone Strike

Russia accused Ukraine on Thursday of killing at least 24 people, including a child, in a drone strike on a hotel and cafe in the Russian-controlled southern Kherson region. Civilians were reportedly celebrating New Year at the time.

The accusation was first made by Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-installed governor of the region. Russia’s Foreign Ministry and senior politicians later labelled the attack a «terrorist act».

Saldo said three Ukrainian drones struck the site in the village of Khorly in a «deliberate strike» targeting civilians. Many victims were reportedly burnt alive. According to Russia, 50 people were injured, including six children being treated in hospital.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called the strike a war crime and said it appeared to have been planned in advance, deliberately targeting New Year gatherings. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said Moscow would seek revenge on the battlefield and that those responsible should be targeted.

Russian officials, including parliament leaders, blamed Kyiv and its Western supporters for the attack. Kherson is one of four Ukrainian regions claimed by Russia in 2022, a move widely condemned as illegal by Kyiv and Western countries.