Russian authorities accused Ukraine of sending drones to attack a hotel in the Kherson region, which Russia occupies, resulting in the deaths of 20 people celebrating New Year's and many others injured.
On 1 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Russian officials claimed that the Ukrainian government was behind sending drones to attack a hotel in the southern Ukrainian Kherson region, held by Russia, causing at least 20 civilian deaths during New Year celebrations. They also accused Ukraine of "undermining" peace efforts.
These allegations come as Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia are advancing peace talks to end the nearly four-year-long war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that his country is 90% close to a peace agreement.
Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed governor of Kherson, said enemies sent three drones to attack a café and hotel along the Black Sea coast in the city of Khorly, where civilians were celebrating the New Year.
He also posted images on Instagram showing the scene: a building on fire, smoldering rubble, and bodies charred by flames. The Ukrainian side has yet to comment on these accusations.
The Russian Investigative Committee said it has launched an inquiry into the attack, initially finding more than 20 deaths and many injuries. Russia's Foreign Ministry stated the exact death toll is still under verification.
According to Saldo, over 100 people had gathered at the hotel to celebrate on the night of the attack.
Russia's Foreign Ministry also accused Ukraine of "terrorist attacks," calling on international organizations to jointly condemn the incident and warning the Kyiv government that it will face consequences.
President Zelensky accused Russia of bringing the war "into the New Year" by sending over 200 drones to attack throughout the night, primarily targeting energy infrastructure.
Ukrenergo, Ukraine's electricity network operator, reported that a "massive number of consumers" were cut off from power. Additionally, railway and port infrastructure suffered heavy damage in the latest attacks.
In the Kharkiv region, Russia attacked a park housing a zoo, injuring one person. The attack also wounded various animals, including lions, and killed pheasants and parrots, according to Oleksandr Feldman, the zoo owner, who spoke to Ukrainian media.
.cna