Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Russia - Ukrain War.
Eyewitnesses and Footage Indicate Drones Are Hunting Civilians in Ukraine
In southern Ukraine’s Kherson, residents live in constant fear as evidence suggests that Russian drones are targeting civilians. One tragic example is the story of Serhiy Dobrovolsky, a hardware trader who was killed outside his home by a grenade dropped from a drone. According to his wife, Angela, “He was very unlucky. a piece of shrapnel pierced his heart.”
Serhiy is one of 30 civilians killed since July 1 in a surge of drone attacks over Kherson. According to city officials, more than 5,000 drone attacks have been recorded in that time, resulting in over 400 civilian injuries.
Drones in Civilian Areas: Evidence of Targeting
Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have increasingly used drones in warfare, often against military targets. However, eyewitness accounts and video evidence suggest a more sinister use of drones targeting civilians in Kherson. Videos reviewed by investigators depict drones tracking pedestrians or motorists in civilian clothing and dropping grenades on them. Six such videos were identified on social media, showing drones following their targets before releasing explosives, sometimes resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
One Telegram channel, which appears to be the source of several videos, posts taunting messages, declaring that all vehicles in the area are "legitimate targets" and mocking injured civilians. The channel even includes photos of drone equipment with messages of gratitude to donors.
Kherson’s military administration reports that the Russian military has recently upgraded its drone technology, making it harder to intercept. This advancement has heightened the anxiety of residents who describe feeling “constantly hunted,” according to aid center worker Kristina Synia.
Living Under Drone Threat: Civilians’ Stories
In an effort to evade detection, locals resort to moving quickly from tree to tree or taking cover while outdoors. Aid worker Kristina Synia describes how a device in their center sounds an alert every time it detects a nearby drone, a constant reminder of the danger outside.
Residents describe the terror of venturing outside their homes. “Every day they attack public buses, every day they drop bombs on us using drones,” says Valentyna Mykolaivna, a resident who struggles with the daily risks.
Another resident, Olena Kryvchun, narrowly escaped when a drone struck her parked car moments before she was due to return. The blast tore apart her car, which was essential to her job as a cleaner. “Do I look like a military person, does my car look like a military car?” she asks, underscoring the non-military nature of her presence in Kherson.
Drones Dropping Mines: An Evolving Tactic
Reports also indicate that Russia may be using drones to scatter butterfly mines – small anti-personnel devices camouflaged with leaves and capable of detonating on contact. The mines are reportedly being dropped along pedestrian, car, and bus routes, presenting a persistent risk for unsuspecting civilians. Although unverified, Ukrainian officials and military sources report that several recent explosions have been linked to these mines.
Winter Worsens the Fear
As winter approaches, residents like Olena worry that the absence of foliage will leave them more exposed, with fewer places to seek cover. "When the leaves fall, there will be nowhere to hide," she says grimly.
Verifying the Drone Footage
Investigators meticulously analyzed the drone videos to determine their locations and timelines. By matching landmarks visible in the videos with satellite images, they confirmed that the attacks took place in Kherson’s eastern neighborhoods, including the Dniprovs’kyi district. Timelines were estimated using weather records and shadow analysis, revealing that some videos were uploaded just hours after filming.
With Russian and Ukrainian forces continuing to battle, Kherson remains on the frontline. The alleged targeting of civilians through drone warfare raises serious questions about the tactics employed and the future of those still living in the besieged city.
