Overview
- Russian occupation official Vladimir Salid said three Ukrainian drones hit a cafe and a hotel in the coastal town of Hola around New Year, causing fires and killing more than 24 people.
- Images provided by Salid and distributed by Reuters show buildings burning at the reported strike site on the Black Sea.
- Russian authorities condemned the incident as a deliberate attack on civilians.
- Independent confirmation of the casualty toll and responsibility has not been provided, and Ukraine has not publicly responded to this specific claim.
- The report follows Russia’s Dec. 29 allegation of a 91‑drone attack near a Novgorod presidential residence that Ukraine denied, reflecting ongoing cross-border drone strikes beyond front lines.