A disturbing trend has emerged in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as evidence points to Russian forces deliberately targeting civilians with drone strikes. This new tactic appears aimed at spreading fear and immobilizing the population, particularly in the southern city of Kherson.
Since July 1, Russian drone attacks have claimed the lives of 30 civilians in Kherson, with over 5,000 attacks recorded and more than 400 people injured. One victim, Serhiy Dobrovolsky, a local hardware trader, was killed by a grenade dropped from a drone while in his own yard.
Video evidence examined by BBC Verify reveals drones tracking and attacking pedestrians and motorists in civilian clothing. A Telegram channel was identified posting these videos along with threats directed at Ukrainians.
The psychological impact of these attacks is profound. Residents of Kherson report feeling constantly hunted, taking cover between trees when venturing outside. Aid worker Ben Dusing notes that drones spread more fear than conventional shelling, effectively paralyzing the local population.
Kherson's military administration reports that Russia has switched to a new type of drone that is more difficult to intercept. They also claim that Russian forces are using drones to drop mines along routes, though this has not been independently verified.
As winter approaches and trees lose their leaves, residents fear increased vulnerability to drone attacks. The deliberate targeting of civilians, if proven, would constitute a war crime under international law.
The Russian military has not responded to inquiries about these allegations. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with growing concern over this apparent escalation in tactics against civilian populations in Ukraine.