A drone attack in the Russian-held Kherson region around New Year's resulted in a reported 20 to 27 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to Russian authorities. Ukraine's defense forces acknowledged a strike but asserted it targeted a military gathering, not civilians. The incident occurred as leaders from both sides, as well as international figures, delivered New Year's addresses addressing the ongoing conflict and potential paths to peace.
Attack in Russian-Held Kherson
Russian authorities reported that a Ukrainian drone attack in the Russian-held Kherson region led to significant casualties near the New Year. Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-installed governor of the region, stated via Telegram that three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) struck a cafe and hotel on the Black Sea coast in the village of Khorly. Russian reports indicated casualties ranging from at least 20 fatalities and over 50 injuries, to 27 fatalities and more than 30 injuries, with some sources specifying 24 deaths.
The damaged building was identified as a three-story hotel and restaurant, previously known as "Ukrainian House" and currently operating as "Buganova's Cafe." Russian state media published photographs depicting a severely damaged room with a collapsed roof. Russia's Investigative Committee has initiated an inquiry into the incident. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, characterized the event as a "terrorist attack," while the Russian foreign affairs ministry accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of attempting to intimidate residents of what Russia refers to as "reunited Russian regions." Governor Saldo reportedly informed President Vladimir Putin about the alleged attack.
When approached for comment by the BBC, Ukraine indicated it would not directly respond to information originating from officials in occupied regions. However, the AFP news agency cited a source within Ukraine's defense forces who confirmed a strike had taken place, specifying that it targeted a military gathering closed to civilians. This source further asserted that Ukraine adheres to international humanitarian law and conducts strikes exclusively against military targets.
The BBC has not been able to independently verify the claims made by Russian authorities or the reported number of casualties. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine acknowledged the alleged attack and stated it would verify reports of civilian harm for inclusion in future reports. The village of Khorly has been under Russian control since February 2022. Moscow currently occupies more than half of the southern Kherson region, which it formally annexed following a 2022 referendum, a process denounced as illegitimate by Ukraine's government and its international allies.
Other Reported Drone Activity
On the same day as the Kherson incident, Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted energy and industrial facilities across three Russian regions: Krasnodar, Tatarstan, and Kaluga. Local authorities confirmed these strikes, and Ukrainian officials acknowledged responsibility for attacks in two of the three regions.
Earlier in the week, Russia claimed that a Ukrainian drone attack targeted one of President Vladimir Putin's residences on Lake Valdai in north-west Russia. Moscow stated it possessed evidence, including a map and video of a downed drone, and indicated it would revise its stance on peace negotiations following the alleged incident. Ukraine denied involvement in such an attack. The Wall Street Journal reported that US national security officials found no evidence that Ukraine targeted Mr. Putin or his residences in a drone strike, a report Reuters stated it could not immediately verify. Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, characterized the Russian claims as a "deliberate distraction."
Statements on Peace and Conflict
The reported incidents occurred as leaders delivered New Year's messages, reflecting on the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in his New Year address that a peace agreement to end the conflict with Russia is "90% ready," with the remaining 10% crucial for determining the future of peace for Ukraine and Europe. He emphasized that Ukraine seeks the end of the war, not "the end of Ukraine," and does not desire peace "at any cost." He referenced Russia's demand for full control of the eastern Donbas region, stating that a Ukrainian withdrawal from this area would signify "everything will be over." Russia currently controls approximately 75% of the Donetsk region and around 99% of the Luhansk region, collectively known as Donbas.
Zelenskyy also stated that Russia was extending the conflict "into the New Year" by launching over 200 attack drones against Ukraine overnight, primarily targeting energy infrastructure. He stressed the necessity of stopping the killings and urged allies, including the United States, to continue providing military equipment without delay, particularly air defense systems, if attacks persist during holiday periods. Following recent discussions, Zelenskyy reported an offer of 15-year security guarantees from Washington, though the implementation timeline remains undefined. He further stated, "Signatures under weak agreements only fuel war," adding, "Either the world stops Russia's war, or Russia drags the world into its war."
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his New Year address, expressed belief in his troops' victory. He referred to the conflict in Ukraine as a "special military operation" and committed to supporting its participants. His address was notably shorter than Zelenskyy's.
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia is approaching its fourth year. Discussions among Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington aimed at halting the conflict have not yielded a resolution. Ukraine's foreign intelligence service recently released a statement accusing Russia of planning "provocations" involving casualties, intended to disrupt peace negotiations.
International Mentions
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used his New Year message to commend the "invincible alliance" between Pyongyang and Moscow and praised soldiers fighting in "alien lands." South Korean officials have alleged that North Korea has supplied Russia with thousands of troops, missiles, and long-range weapons for the invasion, estimating at least 600 North Korean soldiers have died.