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Russia and Ukraine Trade Blame for New Year's Day Strikes – Reports of 24 Deaths in Kherson

Published January 1, 2026, 16:07
Russia and Ukraine Trade Blame for New Year's Day Strikes – Reports of 24 Deaths in Kherson

Russia and Ukraine have traded accusations of attacks that occurred on New Year's Day, with Moscow claiming at least 24 people, including a child, were killed in a drone strike on a hotel and cafe in the Kherson region, and Ukraine alleging extensive strikes on energy infrastructure. Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia deliberately brings the war to Ukraine, carrying out over 200 drone attacks. He emphasized the need for faster delivery of air defense systems from allies. Ukraine announced the deployment of two new Patriot air defense systems received from Germany. Germany had previously announced the provision of two such systems to Ukraine. These mutual accusations highlight the escalation of the conflict and the ongoing tension between the two countries.