Russia has accused Ukraine of killing at least 27 people in a drone strike on a New Year's party in a hotel and cafe in the Russian-occupied southern Kherson region. According to the Russia-installed regional governor, Vladimir Saldo, more than 30 people were injured in the alleged attack, which he stated took place in the village of Khorly on the Black Sea.
Asked by the BBC for comment, Ukraine stated that it would not directly address claims from governors of occupied regions but emphasized its compliance with international humanitarian law, asserting that its strikes target military entities exclusively.
The AFP news agency cited a source within Ukraine's defense forces confirming a strike had occurred; however, they claim it targeted a military gathering and was not open to civilians.
According to Saldo, the strike involved three unmanned aerial vehicles that hit a cafe and hotel on the Black Sea coast in Khorly. The BBC has not been able to verify these claims or the reported casualties independently. Saldo indicated that he had personally informed President Vladimir Putin of the attack. Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission is aware of the incident and plans to verify the reported civilian harm in their forthcoming reports.
Photos circulated by Russian state media depicted a significantly damaged building, identified as a former establishment known as 'Ukrainian House', now called 'Buganova's Cafe'.
In response to the alleged strike, Russia's Investigative Committee announced it has opened an investigation, while the Russian foreign ministry accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of attempting to intimidate the local population of the 'reunited' Russian regions, a reference to territories Russia claims to have annexed following a controversial referendum.
The allegations arise amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the war, with Zelensky suggesting a near-agreement with Russia, mediated by the US. Furthermore, Ukraine's foreign intelligence service issued a statement accusing Russia of preparing large-scale provocations as part of its strategy to disrupt peace negotiations.
Asked by the BBC for comment, Ukraine stated that it would not directly address claims from governors of occupied regions but emphasized its compliance with international humanitarian law, asserting that its strikes target military entities exclusively.
The AFP news agency cited a source within Ukraine's defense forces confirming a strike had occurred; however, they claim it targeted a military gathering and was not open to civilians.
According to Saldo, the strike involved three unmanned aerial vehicles that hit a cafe and hotel on the Black Sea coast in Khorly. The BBC has not been able to verify these claims or the reported casualties independently. Saldo indicated that he had personally informed President Vladimir Putin of the attack. Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission is aware of the incident and plans to verify the reported civilian harm in their forthcoming reports.
Photos circulated by Russian state media depicted a significantly damaged building, identified as a former establishment known as 'Ukrainian House', now called 'Buganova's Cafe'.
In response to the alleged strike, Russia's Investigative Committee announced it has opened an investigation, while the Russian foreign ministry accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of attempting to intimidate the local population of the 'reunited' Russian regions, a reference to territories Russia claims to have annexed following a controversial referendum.
The allegations arise amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the war, with Zelensky suggesting a near-agreement with Russia, mediated by the US. Furthermore, Ukraine's foreign intelligence service issued a statement accusing Russia of preparing large-scale provocations as part of its strategy to disrupt peace negotiations.
