Russia and Ukraine Exchange Blame for Civilian Attacks on New Year's Day

TL;DR Summary
Russian officials accused Ukraine of conducting a deadly drone strike on a hotel and cafe in occupied Khorly, Kherson Oblast, killing at least 28 people, which Ukraine denies, claiming it targeted military sites. The strike killed Russian occupation officials and has been used by Russia to justify intensified attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure. Ukraine has warned of potential false flag operations by Russia to disrupt peace negotiations. The conflict continues with ongoing Russian advances and Ukrainian counterstrikes across various fronts, alongside increased Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
- Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 2, 2026 Institute for the Study of War
- Russia puts death toll from Ukrainian strike at 27 as Zelenskyy names intelligence chief to new role ABC News
- Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,408 Al Jazeera
- Russia accuses Ukraine of killing 27 people in New Year attack in occupied Kherson region BBC
- Russia and Ukraine trade allegations of civilian attacks on New Year's Day Reuters
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