Daijiworld Media Network - Ukraine

Ukraine, Jan 1: At least 24 people, including a child, were killed and more than 50 injured after a drone attack targeted a cafe and hotel in the village of Khorly, on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast, Russian-installed authorities in Kherson said early Thursday.

Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed head of Kherson, stated on Telegram that three drones struck the locations overnight as civilians celebrated the New Year. He added that one of the drones carried an incendiary mixture, intensifying the blaze. Emergency services battled the fire through the night and were only able to bring it under control by early morning.

The death toll and number of injured are preliminary and may rise, authorities cautioned. Doctors are continuing to treat those affected.

In a separate statement, Russia’s Investigative Committee announced that it has opened a criminal case under terrorism charges, according to Interfax.

The incident occurs amid a surge in drone strikes between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides regularly targeting civilian infrastructure and energy installations, leading to power outages and heating disruptions amid freezing winter temperatures.

The tragedy in Kherson coincides with intensified efforts by US President Donald Trump to facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. However, negotiations were complicated this week after Russia accused Ukraine of targeting a residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Novgorod—a claim denied by Ukraine and deemed unsubstantiated by the CIA, according to the New York Times.

The Khorly attack underscores the rising civilian toll in the ongoing conflict, with humanitarian concerns mounting as drone and missile strikes increasingly target populated areas.