URGENT UPDATE: A deadly drone strike in Kherson, Ukraine, has left at least 24 people dead, including a child, during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The attack, which targeted a hotel and cafe in the Russian-controlled coastal village of Khorly, has been labeled a “terrorist attack” by Russian authorities, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.
The strike occurred on January 1, 2024, as civilians gathered to celebrate the New Year. Russian-installed governor Vladimir Saldo stated that three Ukrainian drones struck the site, asserting that many victims were “burnt alive” in what he described as a “deliberate strike” against civilians. Initial reports from Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed the death toll and indicated that 50 others were injured, with six minors among those hospitalized.
Photographs released by Saldo’s press service show the aftermath of the attack, with visible signs of a fierce fire and blood stains on the ground. However, Reuters has not been able to verify these images or the claims surrounding the incident.
In a statement, Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the strike, labeling it a “war crime” and asserting that the attack was premeditated, targeting areas where civilians had gathered. Senior Russian political figures, including deputy chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, vowed to seek revenge on the battlefield, indicating that those responsible should face severe consequences.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader conflict, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently condemning Russia for launching more than 200 attack drones over Ukraine on New Year’s Eve, damaging energy infrastructure across several regions. Zelenskiy emphasized that the ongoing violence from Russia has intensified, stating, “On New Year, Russia deliberately brings war.”
In a related context, the Ukrainian energy ministry reported widespread power outages affecting over 103,000 households in the Volyn region alone due to overnight strikes. The situation remains fluid, with numerous civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict as international calls for accountability grow louder.
As the world watches closely, the implications of this attack could further escalate diplomatic tensions, prompting reactions from Ukraine’s allies and heightening the urgency for peace negotiations. What happens next in this tragic saga remains to be seen, but the human toll continues to rise amidst the chaos.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as both nations grapple with the aftermath of the latest violence.
