Russian-installed officials claim dozens killed in drone strike in Kherson
Russian-installed officials in southern Ukraine claimed that a drone strike on a coastal settlement killed at least 24 people and injured dozens more, according to statements from local authorities. The claims could not be independently verified.
The incident occurred overnight on Wednesday in the village of Khorly in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, which is under Russian control, according to Vladimir Saldo, the Russia-appointed governor of Kherson Oblast.
Saldo said multiple Ukranian drones struck a café and a hotel near the Black Sea where civilians were celebrating the New Year. He claimed at least 24 people were killed and more than 50 others were injured, adding that casualty figures were still being clarified.
Saldo said one of the drones was equipped with an incendiary device and claimed that many victims were burned alive. He also said a child was among those killed. No independent confirmation of those claims has been provided.
In a statement carried by Russia’s Interfax news agency, Saldo blamed Ukrainian forces for what he described as a “terrorist attack” against civilians and said January 2 and 3 were declared days of mourning in Kherson Oblast. He said he reported the incident by phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Saldo also released photographs purporting to show the aftermath at the site, including a burned and partially collapsed building and at least one body covered with a blanket.
A Ukrainian military spokesperson told Russia’s Interfax news agency that Ukrainian forces only strike “enemy military targets, fuel and energy facilities… and other legitimate targets,” according to Al Jazeera.
The claims come days after Russia accused Ukraine of attempting a drone attack against one of the residences of President Putin. U.S. national security officials told The Wall Street Journal that available intelligence does not support the claim.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
