Overview
- Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a terrorism case, saying 27 people, including two minors, were killed and 31 hospitalized after drones hit a café and hotel in Khorly.
- The Kremlin said Vladimir Putin was briefed by regional proxy leader Vladimir Saldo on the incident and ongoing investigative steps.
- Ukraine’s General Staff said its forces strike only lawful military and energy targets and denied attacking civilians, while a Ukrainian defense source told AFP the site hosted a closed military gathering.
- Images published by Saldo showing burned buildings and bodies circulated online, but the Associated Press and other outlets said they could not verify them; the UN rights mission said it will seek to confirm any civilian harm.
- Russian-installed authorities revised casualty figures from 24 to 27–28 dead and reported dozens to more than 60 injured, as both countries report intensified drone operations alongside delicate peace talks.