Russian troops under Vladimir Putin have been deploying bombs disguised as everyday items such as battery packs and wet wipes in Ukrainian cities, specifically in Kherson. The tactic has been condemned as a direct attack on civilians, including children, who may unknowingly pick up the devices.
Disguised Explosives Dropped by Drones
According to Yuriy Boyechko, CEO of the charity Hope for Ukraine, the explosives are likely delivered by drones and dropped into streets where unsuspecting civilians encounter them. Boyechko told Metro: "If a curious kid or anyone picks it up, or steps on it, then it explodes immediately. It is a direct crime against civilians." The devices can cause severe injuries or death, including limb loss.
New Strategy Targets Civilians
Kherson residents had previously managed to avoid undecorated explosives, but Russia has now adopted a "new strategy" of camouflaging bombs as battery packs or tissue holders. Yaroslav Shanko, Head of Kherson City Military Administration, urged parents to warn children not to pick up items from the street, "even if they look safe or useful."
International Condemnation
Lord Alton, chair of Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights, denounced the attacks, stating: "Inevitably, curious children will be among those picking up innocent-looking tissue boxes. That will lead to fatalities and terrible injuries. One day, this must be added to the charge sheet of war crimes."
Potential Mobilization Looms
The development comes as Czech President Petr Pavel warned that Putin may launch a massive mobilization in Ukraine after Russia's parliamentary elections on September 20. Pavel told The Telegraph: "Russia will have parliamentary elections in September. President Putin will hardly declare mobilisation before, but once the elections are over, then the window will shrink."
