August M
Diplomatic momentum toward ending the war in Ukraine has been building in recent weeks, with US and European officials describing talks as constructive and further meetings planned. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said a potential agreement is close, though unresolved issues remain.
That fragile progress has now been overshadowed by reports of a deadly attack in a Russian-occupied part of southern Ukraine, reviving tensions and sharp exchanges between Kyiv and Moscow.
Talks gain pace
According to The Guardian, Ukrainian and European negotiators are expected to meet again in the coming days, while US officials have held calls with their counterparts to discuss next steps in the peace process.
Zelenskyy said in his New Year address that a deal was “90% ready”, with the remaining issues expected to shape Ukraine’s future and Europe’s security. US officials have echoed cautious optimism, stressing the need for security guarantees and mechanisms to prevent renewed fighting.
Against this backdrop, both sides have accused the other of undermining diplomacy through military actions and disinformation.
Deadly incident
Russian-installed officials in Ukraine’s Kherson region said a Ukrainian drone strike killed 24 people and wounded at least 50 more as they celebrated the New Year in the coastal village of Khorly.
Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-appointed head of the region, said three drones struck a cafe and a hotel in the resort town on the Black Sea, with one drone allegedly carrying an incendiary substance that caused a fire.
The claims could not be independently verified. Ukraine has not confirmed the specific incident.
Kyiv’s position
A Ukrainian military spokesperson told Interfax Ukraine that Kyiv’s forces only target Russian military, fuel or energy facilities, and operate in line with international humanitarian law.
“The Defence Forces of Ukraine adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law and strike exclusively at enemy military targets,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying. The official did not directly address reports of civilian casualties at a hotel.
Kyiv has repeatedly accused Russia of using allegations of civilian harm to justify its military campaign and to weaken international support.
Moscow’s response
Senior Russian officials condemned the reported strike. Valentina Matviyenko, chair of Russia’s upper house of parliament, said the incident reinforced Moscow’s resolve to achieve its objectives in the war.
The remarks highlight how battlefield claims continue to inflame rhetoric even as diplomatic channels remain active.
Uncertain path forward
Analysts say the reported attack illustrates the difficulty of sustaining peace efforts while fighting continues on the ground. With negotiations still incomplete and trust between the sides deeply eroded, incidents like this risk derailing progress.
For now, talks are set to continue, but the New Year strike has underscored how quickly hopes of de-escalation can be shaken.
Sources: The Guardian, Interfax Ukraine
