Ukraine Launches Drone Attack on Kherson, Killing 24 People Celebrating New Year; More Than 50 Injured

Moscow. On Thursday, the first day of the new year, Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on Russia. Russia claims that at least 24 people were killed in these attacks, including a child. According to a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Ukrainian attack took place during New Year’s celebrations at a hotel and cafe in the Kherson province.

The Foreign Ministry stated that Ukraine carried out this attack in the southern Kherson region, which is under Russian control. Vladimir Saldo, the regional governor appointed by the Russian government, accused Ukraine of carrying out a terrorist attack. Ukraine, however, maintains that it does not target civilians.

‘Deliberate Drone Attack,’ Says Kherson Governor
Saldo said that three Ukrainian drones attacked a New Year’s celebration site in the coastal village of Khorly. He called it a deliberate attack against civilians. He said that several people were burned alive. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that initial information indicates that 24 people were killed and 50 were injured.

The ministry said in a statement, “There is no doubt that the attack was premeditated, with drones deliberately targeting areas where civilians had gathered to celebrate New Year’s Eve,” and called the attack a war crime.

Russia Condemns the Attack
Russian officials said that flames and smoke were rising from the area after the drone attacks. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement that Ukraine’s supporters in the West are responsible for this. Senior politicians, including the speakers of both houses of the Russian parliament, condemned Kyiv.

Kherson is one of the four regions of Ukraine that Russia claimed to have annexed in 2022. A Ukrainian military spokesperson told Russia’s Interfax news agency on Thursday that it only attacks enemy military bases, fuel and energy facilities, and other legitimate targets.