In Ukraine’s frontline city of Kherson, a surge in Russian drone attacks has claimed the lives of 30 civilians since July 1. Serhiy Dobrovolsky, a hardware trader, was among the victims. He died instantly when a drone dropped a grenade in his yard. His wife, Angela, witnessed the horrific incident. “They can see who they are killing,” she says, struggling to hold back tears.
Eyewitness testimony and credible evidence suggest Russia is using drones to target civilians. The BBC verified six videos showing drone attacks on pedestrians and motorists. In each video, the remote operator tracks the target before dropping grenades.
Kherson’s military administration reports over 5,000 drone attacks in the same period, injuring more than 400 civilians. Residents live in constant fear, with drones buzzing overhead. “You feel like you’re being hunted,” says Kristina Synia, who works at an aid center.
Valentyna Mykolaivna recalls daily attacks on public buses. Olena Kryvchun narrowly escaped death when a drone struck her car. “If I’d been inside, I would have died,” she says. Drones spread fear, immobilizing the population.
Ben Dusing, aid center director, notes that drones are more terrifying than shelling. “If a drone locks on you, it’s probably game over.” Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians, but the evidence suggests otherwise.
As winter approaches, residents fear the worst. With leaves falling from trees, there will be nowhere to hide. These attacks have brought trauma and despair to Kherson’s residents. The Russian drone attacks have become a grim reality, claiming lives and spreading fear in the besieged city of Kherson.
