On 1/1, Vladimir Saldo, the Russia-appointed governor of Kherson province, accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on a hotel and cafe in Khorly village. This occurred while civilians were gathered to celebrate the New Year. The attack, which happened just before midnight on New Year's Eve, sparked a fire in the cafe, reportedly caused by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carrying an incendiary mixture.

Russia's Investigative Committee reported that at least 100 civilians and staff were inside the cafe during the attack. The strike resulted in 27 deaths, including two minors, and 31 people were hospitalized.

When asked to comment on these accusations, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated that "one sober person would not be able to find words to describe such an act." He emphasized, "Only the language of uncompromising vengeance is appropriate. Swift retaliation is inevitable," adding that Russia should target both those directly responsible for the incident and their commanders.

Medvedev in a photo posted on 30/12/2025. *Photo: TASS*

Gennady Gatilov, Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, also condemned the attack. He asserted that Ukraine's objective was "to cling to power at any cost, distract from military setbacks, and sabotage efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict." Gatilov urged the United Nations to "immediately" condemn the attack, warning that continued silence would signify "complicity and overt involvement" in the incident.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, accused the West of employing "strategic silence" and overlooking similar actions by Ukraine for years.

Saldo stated that Madyar's Birds, an elite Ukrainian drone unit, had been deployed to Kherson province and were likely responsible for the attack.

The cafe in Kherson province was damaged on New Year's Eve. *Photo: Sputnik*

In contrast, Dmytro Lykhoviy, spokesperson for the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, affirmed that Ukrainian forces consistently adhere to international humanitarian law, targeting only Russian military objectives. He accused Moscow of continually "disseminating disinformation and false statements." A Ukrainian military source confirmed to AFP news agency that an attack took place, but specified the target was a military assembly point where civilians were not permitted.