Russia says Ukrainian drone attack kills 24 people in Kherson region

Russia Claims Drone Attack Kills at Least 24 People in Ukrainian-Controlled Area

A drone attack on a hotel and cafe in southern Ukraine’s Kherson region has killed at least 24 people, according to Russian authorities. The incident occurred during New Year celebrations in the coastal village of Khorly.

Russian-installed Governor Vladimir Saldo stated that three Ukrainian drones struck the site, resulting in a “deliberate strike” against civilians. He also published images of the aftermath, which have not been verified by Al Jazeera. The building showed signs of a fierce fire and bloodstains on the ground.

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 24 people had been killed and 50 injured in the attack. They described the incident as a “war crime” and stated that the drones were deliberately targeting areas where civilians had gathered to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Senior Russian politicians have condemned Ukraine for the alleged attack, with some accusing Kyiv of carrying out a “terrorist attack”. The Ukrainian military has not commented on Moscow’s claim, but did report hitting Russia’s Ilsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region overnight.

In a separate incident, Russia claimed that Ukraine launched a long-range drone attack against one of President Vladimir Putin’s official residences in northwestern Russia. Kyiv has denied this allegation, calling it a “lie”.

The Russian Defence Ministry released a video showing a downed drone, but the location and date of the incident could not be independently verified. The Ukrainian government has called for calm and urged restraint in the wake of the alleged attack.

Meanwhile, peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have ramped up in recent weeks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a peace deal was “90 percent ready”, but warned that the remaining 10% would determine the fate of peace and Ukraine’s future.

Source: Al Jazeera