Russian governor reports 24 dead after alleged Ukraine drone strike

The Russian governor of the occupied Kherson region, Volodymyr Saldo, accused Ukraine of a drone attack during New Year's Eve celebrations in the village of Khorly. According to his statement on the Telegram, three Ukrainian drones were supposed to hit a hotel and a cafe where people had gathered to welcome the New Year.

The attack left 24 dead and 29 wounded, according to Russian media. The Ukrainian side has not yet commented on the accusation and Saldo has not presented any evidence to support the claims.

The incident took place in Kherson Oblast, which Russia unilaterally annexed in 2022 - a move that Kiev and Western countries consider illegitimate. Saldo described the attack as a "deliberate act".

(reuters, pir)