Russian authorities have dramatically increased the reported death toll from a Ukrainian drone strike on a village in the occupied Kherson region, claiming 27 people, including two children, were killed.
Details of the Alleged Attack
The incident reportedly occurred in the village of Khorly overnight into Thursday, 1 January 2026. According to Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman for Russia's Investigative Committee, the strike hit a café and hotel where at least 100 civilians were celebrating New Year's Eve.
Petrenko stated that 27 people lost their lives and a further 31 were hospitalised. Russia has opened a criminal terrorism probe into the event.
Kyiv's Firm Denial and Counterclaims
Ukraine has categorically denied any involvement in attacking civilian targets. Dmytro Lykhovii, spokesman for Ukraine's General Staff, told Suspilne broadcaster that Ukrainian forces "adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law" and only strike Russian military and energy infrastructure.
Lykhovii asserted that an official list of targets struck on New Year's Eve did not include the occupied parts of Kherson. He accused Russia of using disinformation to derail ongoing peace negotiations, which have gained momentum recently.
Broader Context of Escalating Strikes
This accusation comes amid a significant escalation in cross-border attacks. Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 116 long-range drones overnight, with 86 intercepted. In Zaporizhzhia, local officials described one of the war's "most massive" drone attacks, damaging dozens of homes.
Conversely, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed its air defences intercepted 64 Ukrainian drones over several Russian regions. Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the border Belgorod region, also accused Ukrainian forces of a missile strike on Belgorod city, injuring two women.
The claims from both sides emerge as US-led diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year war continue. In his New Year's address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a peace deal was "90% ready," but warned the final 10% concerning territory would be decisive.
The Associated Press noted it could not independently verify the claims regarding the attack in Khorly.
