A deadly drone assault on New Year's Eve in the Russian-controlled city of Kherson has resulted in significant civilian casualties, according to local officials. The attack targeted a cafe and a hotel where people had gathered to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
Details of the Deadly Assault
The incident occurred on the night of Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Three Ukrainian drones struck the establishments, leading to a devastating scene. Vladimir Saldo, the head of the Kherson region, reported the attack via the Telegram messaging app.
Saldo provided harrowing details, stating that one of the unmanned aerial vehicles carried an incendiary payload. This triggered a massive fire at the location. "Many people were burned alive," Saldo said in his post, describing the horrific consequences of the blaze.
Emergency Response and Casualty Toll
Firefighting crews battled the inferno throughout the night. They were only able to fully extinguish the flames by the early morning of Thursday, January 1, 2026. The attack left at least 24 people dead and more than 50 others injured.
Medical personnel are currently in a critical race against time. Doctors are fighting to save the lives of the wounded who suffered severe injuries from the strike and the subsequent fire. Regional authorities have pledged to provide all necessary assistance to the victims and the families of those who lost their lives.
Aftermath and Official Statements
The strike has cast a shadow over the region during what is traditionally a time of celebration. The attack highlights the ongoing and severe nature of the conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces, with civilian areas increasingly becoming battlegrounds.
Saldo's account forms the basis of the initial report from the scene. The incident underscores the tragic human cost of the prolonged war, where festive gatherings can quickly turn into targets, resulting in profound loss and community trauma.
