Russia reports deadly Ukrainian drone strike in Kherson region

January 01, 2026 / 5:15 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: Russia said a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian-held area of Ukraine’s southern Kherson region killed at least 20 people, according to Moscow-installed officials and Russian authorities.

Drones hit coastal village

Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed governor, said three drones struck a café and hotel in the village of Khorly on the Black Sea coast. He said preliminary reports indicated more than 50 people were injured and 24 were killed.

Criminal probe launched

Russia’s Investigative Committee said it had opened a criminal investigation into the attack, stating that more than 20 people were killed and many others wounded.

Moscow accuses Ukraine of terrorism

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of carrying out a “terrorist attack” targeting civilians. Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the allegations.

Background to the fighting in Kherson

Khorly, a coastal village on a peninsula, fell under Russian control at the start of Moscow’s offensive in February 2022. Later that year, Ukrainian forces recaptured much of the Kherson region, including the regional capital, leaving the Dnieper River as the front line, with frequent drone attacks continuing in the area.