At least 24 people were killed and over 50 injured in a drone attack on civilian gatherings in Ukraine's Kherson region on Wednesday night, local authorities confirmed. The strikes targeted a cafe and hotel as residents celebrated New Year's Eve, marking one of the deadliest recent attacks in the ongoing conflict.
Vladimir Saldo, head of the Kherson region, stated via Telegram that drones carrying incendiary mixtures caused catastrophic fires, with many victims 'burned alive.' Firefighters required nearly six hours to fully extinguish the blaze.
Medical teams are currently working to save critically injured victims, while regional authorities have pledged full support to affected families. Ukraine's military has not yet commented on the incident.
The attack occurred amid heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, with international observers expressing concern over escalating civilian casualties. Humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent investigations into the targeting of non-combat zones.
