Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Telegram that Russia deliberately initiated hostilities on new year's day, launching over 200 attack drones into Ukraine overnight. He added that energy infrastructure in 7 regions across the country was targeted.

A building destroyed after a drone attack, which Russia claims was carried out by Ukraine, in Khorly village, Kherson region, on 1/1. Photo: Reuters

According to Zelensky, Russia's holiday attacks underscore the urgency for allies to provide air defense equipment to Ukraine. "Allies know what equipment we lack. We expect all defense agreements reached with the US in late December to be delivered on schedule," he stated.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba also reported attacks on railway infrastructure in three regions of the country.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on 1/1 that its attacks struck military targets and energy infrastructure, which Moscow asserted was being used to support Ukrainian forces.

Russia accused Ukraine of a drone attack on 1/1 targeting a hotel and cafe in the Russian-controlled part of Kherson region, southern Ukraine, where civilians were celebrating the new year. The attack reportedly killed at least 24 people and injured 50.

Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed governor of the region, stated that Ukraine carried out a "deliberate attack on civilians" by deploying three drones against a party in the coastal village of Khorly.

The Russian Foreign Ministry suggested that this strike, along with other drone attacks by Ukraine, primarily aimed to "distract public attention from military failures on the front lines."

The Ukrainian military stated that it only targets military and energy facilities, without specifically addressing the hotel attack mentioned by Russia.

Location of Khorly village. Graphic: Telegraph

These accusations surface as US President Donald Trump actively promotes peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Each nation believes the other is attempting to influence the US leader's stance to shape the final outcome.

On 29/12/2025, Moscow accused Kyiv of attacking a residence of President Vladimir Putin, though Ukrainian and European officials stated the incident did not occur. Russia, however, announced it had decoded information from a downed Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) targeting Putin's residence and would transfer the data to the US.

Vu Hoang (According to Reuters)