Russia kicks off 2026 with an attack involving 200 drones, and Zelenskyy comments
In a striking development in the early hours of 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday that Russia had begun the new year with a large-scale aerial attack, using more than 200 attack drones to target vital sites across the country. Zelensky confirmed via social media that this attack represents a continuation of the war that has been raging for nearly four years, noting that the Russian focus was primarily on energy infrastructure, in a renewed attempt to pressure Kyiv by targeting essential services during the winter months.
Energy and drone warfare strategy
This intensified attack is part of a military strategy that Russian forces have consistently employed since the outbreak of war in February 2022. Moscow relies on targeting Ukrainian power and energy networks to undermine morale and disrupt logistical capabilities. Military experts indicate that the increased reliance on drones (such as the Shahed/Jiran drones) reflects a shift in warfare tactics toward less costly and more effective long-term warfare tactics, posing significant challenges to Ukrainian air defense systems struggling to intercept these dense swarms.
Mutual accusations and a massacre in Kherson
On the other hand, amidst the ongoing media and military conflict, Moscow accused the Ukrainian army of launching a deadly attack on New Year's Eve. The Russian Investigative Committee reported that heavy Ukrainian drone fire targeted a cafe in the village of Khorly in the Kherson region (parts of which are under Russian control), killing 24 people and injuring dozens more.
Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed governor of the region, confirmed the death toll via Telegram, describing the attack as a direct targeting of civilians during the celebrations. This double escalation at the start of 2026 reflects the ongoing military stalemate and persistent tensions that cast a shadow over regional and international security, amid the absence of any near-term prospect for a diplomatic solution to end the conflict, which has caused enormous human and material losses on both sides and directly impacted the global economy and energy markets.
