In Kherson, southern Ukraine, a tragic incident occurred when Serhiy Dobrovolsky, a hardware trader, was killed by a Russian drone strike shortly after returning home. His wife, Angela, recalled that he had just stepped into their yard when a drone dropped a grenade, fatally injuring him. “He died before the ambulance arrived,” she said, heartbroken.
Since July 1, Kherson has experienced a sudden increase in Russian drone attacks, with military administration reporting that around 30 civilians have lost their lives and more than 400 have been injured from over 5,000 drone strikes. Eyewitness accounts and credible evidence suggest that Russian drones are increasingly being used against civilians, raising concerns about potential war crimes if these attacks are found to be deliberate.
The Russian military has not responded to these allegations but has consistently denied targeting civilians throughout the ongoing conflict, which began with its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Videos circulating on social media appear to show drones tracking pedestrians and motorists before releasing grenades that cause serious injuries or fatalities.
One Kherson resident, Kristina Synia, expressed the pervasive fear among the populace, stating, “You feel like you’re constantly being hunted.” Residents must navigate daily life with extreme caution, using trees for cover while moving outside.
With winter approaching, the fear of drone attacks intensifies as falling leaves may expose more civilians to these aerial threats. The local military administration reported that Russia has altered its drone tactics, making it harder for Kherson’s electronic systems to intercept these strikes.
Local aid center director Ben Dusing remarked on the psychological toll of drone warfare, emphasizing that the presence of drones immobilizes the population: “If a drone locks on you, the truth is it’s probably ‘game over’ at that point. There’s no defense against it.”
As the situation continues to evolve, the impact of drone warfare on civilian life remains a critical concern in Kherson, highlighting the urgent need for protection and support for the affected population.