Post by : Badri Ariffin

Russian officials indicated on Friday that a drone strike, purportedly by Ukrainian forces, led to the deaths of 27 individuals in the village of Khorly located in the Russian-controlled Kherson area. The incident reportedly struck a café and hotel where civilians were marking New Year’s Eve. Among the deceased were two minors, while 31 people, including five minors, sustained injuries and were hospitalized.

Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee, announced the initiation of a criminal investigation centered on terrorism regarding this incident.

Ukraine’s military representatives have vehemently refuted claims of targeting civilians. Dmytro Lykhovii, a spokesperson for the General Staff of Ukraine, emphasized on the national broadcaster Suspilne that Ukrainian military operations strictly adhere to international humanitarian regulations. He asserted that attacks are specifically targeted at Russian military installations, energy resources, and other lawful entities. Lykhovii stated that no Ukrainian military strikes occurred in the occupied regions of Kherson during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Lykhovii further accused Russia of disseminating misinformation to undermine ongoing peace discussions between the two nations.

This event emerges alongside intensified diplomatic endeavors spearheaded by the United States to resolve the nearly four-year conflict. Earlier this week, Russian authorities alleged a long-range drone assault was conducted against President Vladimir Putin’s residence—claims dismissed by Kyiv as attempts to sabotage peace negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his New Year’s address, mentioned that a peace agreement is “90% finalized,” although crucial issues like territorial disputes continue to be a challenge.

Simultaneously, Russian officials reported that the city of Zaporizhzhia experienced a significant drone attack, with nine drones targeting civil infrastructure and residential areas. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched a total of 116 long-range drones overnight, successfully intercepting 86, while 27 drones managed to hit their targets. Conversely, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed 64 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across multiple Russian territories.

Furthermore, Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, reported a missile attack by Ukrainian forces on the city of Belgorod, injuring two women and causing damage to homes, commercial properties, and vehicles.

#Global News