Recent testimonies and reports point to a spike in drone strikes that have killed and injured civilians in Kherson, prompting fears of war crimes by Russian forces. As the conflict continues, the use of drones is transforming the nature of warfare, with many residents now feeling like they are under constant threat.
**Increased Drone Attacks on Civilians in Kherson Raise Alarm Over War Crimes**
**Increased Drone Attacks on Civilians in Kherson Raise Alarm Over War Crimes**
Evidence suggests a troubling pattern in Kherson, where Russian drone strikes appear to target civilians in violation of humanitarian law.
In Kherson, witnessing a civilian being killed by a drone explosion is becoming increasingly common. One chilling account is from Angela, who lost her husband Serhiy to a drone attack in their yard. The military administration of Kherson has confirmed that there have been over 5,000 drone attacks since July, with around 30 civilian fatalities and more than 400 injuries noted. Such instances are igniting serious concerns regarding potential war crimes if attacks are found to specifically target non-combatants.
Angela expressed deep sorrow and outrage, questioning the morality of a combat strategy that seemingly aims to kill innocents: “Is this how they want to fight, by just bombing people walking in the streets?” Despite the allegations, the Russian military denies intentionally targeting civilians, maintaining that their actions are within the bounds of military engagement.
The BBC has analyzed various videos shared on social media that depict drone attacks—including one event where a drone drops a grenade on pedestrians—creating a troubling narrative of deliberate attacks on civilians. These videos have been intentionally disseminated alongside provocative messages urging caution and depicting victims in derogatory terms.
Inhabitants describe a new era of fear. Kristina, an aid worker in Kherson, noted the pervasive anxiety created by drone attacks, as residents adapt their daily routines to avoid detection. The sound of buzzing drones is now a grim reminder of vulnerability, as drones are reported to have begun utilizing advanced tactics, such as remotely dropping mines on public routes.
Olena, a civilian narrowly escaping a drone strike, illustrated the dread that infiltrates their lives, saying that drones are far more terrifying than traditional artillery. The threat of drone strikes is expected to intensify as winter approaches, with fewer places to find cover.
Moreover, the BBC’s verification process for videos includes specific landmark identification via satellite imagery to confirm the location and timing of each attack. This meticulous approach emphasizes the ongoing need for accountability and transparency in war.
As residents of Kherson continue to grapple with the terror of drone warfare, the international community awaits responses regarding the legitimacy of these aggressive tactics and their impact on the civilian population. The evidence collected thus far remains alarming, positioning Kherson in an increasingly perilous landscape amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Angela expressed deep sorrow and outrage, questioning the morality of a combat strategy that seemingly aims to kill innocents: “Is this how they want to fight, by just bombing people walking in the streets?” Despite the allegations, the Russian military denies intentionally targeting civilians, maintaining that their actions are within the bounds of military engagement.
The BBC has analyzed various videos shared on social media that depict drone attacks—including one event where a drone drops a grenade on pedestrians—creating a troubling narrative of deliberate attacks on civilians. These videos have been intentionally disseminated alongside provocative messages urging caution and depicting victims in derogatory terms.
Inhabitants describe a new era of fear. Kristina, an aid worker in Kherson, noted the pervasive anxiety created by drone attacks, as residents adapt their daily routines to avoid detection. The sound of buzzing drones is now a grim reminder of vulnerability, as drones are reported to have begun utilizing advanced tactics, such as remotely dropping mines on public routes.
Olena, a civilian narrowly escaping a drone strike, illustrated the dread that infiltrates their lives, saying that drones are far more terrifying than traditional artillery. The threat of drone strikes is expected to intensify as winter approaches, with fewer places to find cover.
Moreover, the BBC’s verification process for videos includes specific landmark identification via satellite imagery to confirm the location and timing of each attack. This meticulous approach emphasizes the ongoing need for accountability and transparency in war.
As residents of Kherson continue to grapple with the terror of drone warfare, the international community awaits responses regarding the legitimacy of these aggressive tactics and their impact on the civilian population. The evidence collected thus far remains alarming, positioning Kherson in an increasingly perilous landscape amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
