A deadly drone attack has struck a resort village in Russian-occupied Ukraine, killing at least two dozen people as they celebrated the New Year, according to officials installed by Moscow.
New Year's Eve Inferno on the Black Sea Coast
The strike occurred overnight in the village of Khorly, located on the Black Sea coast. Russian-appointed authorities stated that three Ukrainian drones hit a hotel resort and a cafe, reducing the buildings to charred ruins. The attack resulted in 24 fatalities and left more than 50 people injured.
Graphic reports described bodies lying under blankets amidst pools of blood on the floor of the destroyed hotel, where just hours earlier revellers had welcomed the arrival of 2026. Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-installed leader of the Kherson region, alleged that one of the drones was carrying an incendiary mixture, which sparked a major fire.
Strike Follows 'Productive' Talks and Sparks Russian Fury
The assault came after what were described as 'productive' peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the Russian claims regarding the Khorly strike.
The attack has provoked a fierce response from Russian officials, who say it has strengthened their resolve. Valentina Matviyenko, chairwoman of Russia's Federation Council, asserted the strike "once again demonstrates the validity of our initial demands."
In a retaliatory move, Russia launched drone attacks on Ukraine's Odesa region overnight. Regional head Oleh Kiper reported that civilian infrastructure was targeted in several waves. A two-storey residential building was damaged, and a drone struck an apartment on the 17th floor of a high-rise without exploding. No casualties were reported from these strikes.
Context of Allegations and Disinformation
These violent exchanges follow a series of claims and counter-claims from both sides. Earlier in the week, Moscow alleged that Ukraine launched a long-range drone attack against one of President Vladimir Putin's official residences in north-western Russia. Kyiv has denounced this as a "lie," suggesting it is a ruse to derail ongoing peace talks.
In a separate and unusual development, it has emerged that Ukraine faked the assassination of Denis Kapustin, leader of the right-wing Russian Volunteer Corps. The Ukrainian Defence Intelligence (GUR) confirmed this was a special operation to save Kapustin's life and claim a $500,000 bounty the Kremlin had placed on him.
The situation underscores the complex and brutal nature of the conflict, where battlefield actions, information warfare, and diplomatic manoeuvres are deeply intertwined, casting a shadow over hopes for a peaceful resolution in 2026.
