Moscow alleges civilians were deliberately targeted during New Year celebrations
Russia accused Ukraine on Thursday of killing at least 24 people, including a child, in a drone strike that reportedly hit a hotel and café during New Year celebrations in a Russian-controlled part of Ukraine’s southern Kherson region.
The allegation was first made by Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-installed governor of the region, who said the attack took place in the coastal village of Khorly, where civilians had gathered to mark the New Year.
Ukraine’s military, which has frequently accused Russia of killing civilians in attacks on Ukrainian cities, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
‘Deliberate Strike on Civilians’
Saldo said three Ukrainian drones struck the site of the celebrations, describing the incident as a “deliberate strike” against civilians. He claimed many people were burned alive as a result of the attack.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry later said preliminary information indicated that 24 people were killed and around 50 others injured, including six minors who were receiving hospital treatment.
“There is no doubt that the attack was planned in advance, with drones deliberately targeting areas where civilians had gathered to celebrate New Year’s Eve,” the ministry said, calling the incident a “war crime.”
Images Show Heavy Damage
Reuters said it was unable to independently verify photographs released by Saldo’s press service or confirm the allegations.
The images appeared to show severe fire damage to the building, with what looked like bloodstains on the ground. At least one body was visible beneath a white sheet.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Telegram that Ukraine’s Western backers bore responsibility for the incident. Senior Russian politicians, including the speakers of both houses of parliament, strongly condemned Kyiv.
Disputed Territory
Kherson is one of four Ukrainian regions that Russia claimed to have annexed in 2022, a move rejected by Kyiv and widely condemned by Western governments as illegal.
The war, now in its fourth year, has seen both sides accuse each other of targeting civilians, with independent verification often difficult due to restricted access to conflict zones.