Thu Jan 01 09:05:06 UTC 2026: Summary:

A Ukrainian drone strike on a cafe and hotel in the Kherson region of Ukraine, during New Year’s Eve celebrations, resulted in at least 24 deaths and over 50 injuries. Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepted 168 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions of Russia during the same night, causing airport closures.

News Article:

Kherson Region Devastated by Drone Strike During New Year’s Celebrations

Moscow – January 1, 2026 – A deadly drone attack marred New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Kherson region, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and over 50 injuries, according to Russian officials. The strikes targeted a cafe and a hotel in Khorly, located on the Black Sea coast, where civilians were gathered to welcome the new year.

Kherson Governor Volodymyr Saldo announced the attack via Telegram, stating that the reconnaissance drone strike occurred just before midnight on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

In response, Russian air defense systems claim to have intercepted and destroyed 168 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across multiple regions, including Bryansk, Krasnodar, Tula, Crimea, Moscow, and Kaluga. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that nine of the downed UAVs were headed towards Moscow. The drone activity forced the closure of several airports in southern and central Russia for several hours.

The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about the targeting of civilian areas and the increasing use of drone warfare.

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