Overview
- Russian-installed officials in occupied Kherson report at least 24 dead and 29 injured after three drones hit a café and hotel in Jorly during New Year festivities, a claim not independently verified.
- Local authorities say one drone carried an incendiary mixture that fueled fires, while Ukraine has not commented on the Jorly incident.
- The CIA assessed that Ukraine did not target Vladimir Putin or his residences in the reported drone attack near Valdai, an appraisal conveyed to President Trump, and Kyiv has denied the allegation.
- The Kremlin says it will harden its negotiating position following the alleged attacks, while Zelensky maintains a peace agreement is 90% ready and warns the remaining issues are decisive.
- Russia’s Defense Ministry reports intercepting 86–91 Ukrainian drones across several regions and Crimea, and Ukrainian media cite intelligence claiming a strike on the Tuapse oil refinery.