Overview
- Pro-Russian authorities in occupied Kherson say three Ukrainian drones hit a café and hotel in Khorly during New Year festivities, killing at least 24 and injuring dozens; the claim has not been independently verified and Kyiv has not commented.
- Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a case and local occupation officials declared days of mourning, while Moscow labeled the incident a terrorist attack on civilians.
- The CIA assessed that Ukraine was not targeting a residence used by Vladimir Putin in Novgorod, and Director John Ratcliffe briefed President Trump on the finding, contradicting Russia’s allegation.
- Russia’s Defense Ministry says it handed decoded route data and a downed drone’s controller to a U.S. Embassy representative, and the Kremlin says it will harden its negotiating posture.
- With U.S.-facilitated talks ongoing, Zelensky says a deal is 90% ready as both sides report extensive New Year drone operations, including Ukrainian claims Russia launched more than 200 drones at energy sites and Russian claims of intercepting 86 Ukrainian drones.