Russia accused Ukraine of killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 30 in a drone strike on a New Year’s party at a hotel and cafe in the Russian-occupied Kherson region.

The attack, reported by the Russia-installed governor Vladimir Saldo, allegedly used three drones to hit a venue in Khorly on the Black Sea, and Saldo said he informed President Putin.

Ukraine did not directly respond to the claims but stated it targets only military sites, with a defense source saying the strike hit a military gathering closed to civilians.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission is investigating the reported civilian harm, while Russian authorities have opened their own investigation, the BBC has reported.

The incident occurs amid ongoing war and peace efforts, with Ukraine warning that Russia may be planning provocations to undermine negotiations.