Russian forces are reportedly using drones to drop booby-trapped wet wipes and power banks onto the streets of Kherson, Ukraine, in a new tactic that charity officials have condemned as a war crime against civilians. The explosive-laden items, disguised as everyday household goods, have been scattered across the city since mid-June, sparking fears of a cynical psychological war aimed at innocent residents and children.
Explosives Hidden in Mundane Objects
Hope For Ukraine, a charity group, has accused the Kremlin of deliberately targeting civilians with these disguised devices. Yuriy Boyechko, CEO of Hope For Ukraine, told the Daily Mail that the tactic represents an evolution in Russian terror. He explained that after residents learned to spot and avoid uncamouflaged anti-personnel mines, Russian forces shifted to hiding explosives in items like boxes of napkins and power banks. "Three days ago we received an alert from city officials that they had discovered a power bank on the side of the street with explosives inside," Boyechko said. "It has become a very disturbing tendency and is very dangerous for children walking along the side of the street or even adults."
Psychological Warfare in Kherson
Boyechko described the strategy as psychological warfare, noting that Russia is using Kherson as a testing ground. "Russia is not winning the battle on the battlefield against the Ukrainian army so they are using Kherson as a testing ground in their fight against civilians. These tactics have never been used in history before. It is psychological warfare," he said. The city, strategically vital due to its location near the Dnipro River and Crimea, was captured by Russia in March 2022 and liberated by a Ukrainian counter-offensive later that year. The makeshift bombs are now being ferried into the city and dropped via drones.
Official Warnings and Civilian Impact
Local officials have issued urgent safety warnings. Yaroslav Shanko, Head of Kherson City Military Administration, stated: "The calculation is simple and cynical: a person may mistake such an object for a lost charging device, pick it up, or try to use it. The consequences could be fatal." He urged parents to talk to their children, explaining that they cannot pick up any items found on the street, even if they look safe or useful. The discoveries come alongside heavy Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia, which killed at least three people, injured 15, and battered critical infrastructure.
