Russian Drones Target Civilians in Kherson, Turning City into ‘Human Safari’

The southern Ukrainian city of Kherson is grappling with persistent drone attacks targeting civilians, as residents live in constant fear of becoming victims. Following its liberation from Russian occupation in November 2022, attacks have escalated, with short-range first-person view (FPV) drones increasingly used to strike at everyday life. Residents, including local woman Olena Horlova, describe a reality where simply leaving home becomes a life-threatening gamble.

Horlova, a mother of two, takes extreme precautions to protect her family. She often travels home under the cover of night, avoiding headlights to evade detection. “What matters for us is a cease-fire,” she stated, expressing the hope that the conflict will eventually end. Despite the liberation, Kherson remains a dangerous place. The use of drones by Russian forces has transformed the area into what locals refer to as a “human safari,” where civilians are viewed as targets in a deadly game.

The United Nations’ Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has documented the lethal intent behind these drone attacks. In an October report, the commission indicated that these strikes have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, destroyed homes, and forced thousands to flee, categorizing them as crimes against humanity.

Kherson, positioned just 4 kilometers from the Dnipro River, has seen a significant increase in drone activity. Russian forces have utilized FPV drones to monitor and select targets in real-time, leading to a marked rise in the frequency of attacks. The commission’s findings indicate that Russian units operating from the occupied left bank of the Dnipro are executing these strikes.

According to data gathered by The Associated Press, the 310th Separate Marine Electronic Warfare Battalion reports that at least 300 drones approach Kherson daily. In October 2023 alone, approximately 9,000 drones were recorded over the city. Dmytro Liashok, the battalion’s commander, emphasized that the area has become a training ground for new Russian crews, who gain experience before being deployed elsewhere.

The consequences of these attacks have been devastating. Local authorities report over 200 civilian deaths and more than 2,000 injuries in three southern regions since July 2024, with men comprising the majority of the victims. Furthermore, nearly 3,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. The persistent threat of drone strikes has created an atmosphere of terror, violating the fundamental rights of those living in the region.

Prominent figures, including actress Angelina Jolie, have drawn attention to the ongoing crisis. During a visit to Kherson, she described the looming threat of drones as a “heavy presence,” highlighting the daily anxiety faced by residents.

At a local hospital treating drone attack victims, 70-year-old Nataliia Naumova recounted her harrowing experience of surviving a strike from a Shahed drone, which caused severe injuries. “People there survive, not live,” she reflected, emphasizing the grim reality for those affected by the ongoing violence.

Dr. Yevhen Haran, the hospital’s deputy medical chief, noted the range of injuries sustained from drone strikes, including amputations and fatalities. “It’s simply hunting for people. There’s no other name for it,” he asserted, illustrating the severe impact on civilian life.

As the conflict continues, the psychological toll on Kherson’s residents remains profound. The experience of living through occupation and the subsequent liberation shapes their resilience. “We held out until liberation — we’ll hold out until peace as well,” Horlova declared, a testament to the enduring spirit of those in Kherson.

The ongoing use of drones in civilian-targeted attacks raises serious concerns regarding humanitarian conditions and the protection of human rights in conflict zones. The situation in Kherson serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and human costs of modern warfare.