Distressing footage appears to show a Russian drone chasing a civilian through the streets of Kherson, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russian forces of intentionally targeting ordinary citizens.
The video, which has not been independently confirmed but was shared by Ukraine's National Police, shows a man darting between parked cars as a drone seems to track him. Moments later, the device can be seen detonating just metres away from him.
The 52-year-old man survived the explosion but sustained shrapnel-related injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Ukraine's response
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha denounced the alleged attack as a war crime and labelled the drone operator a "sadist". He posted on X: "This barbaric Russian war crime in Kherson requires international condemnation and justice, yet thousands of similar crimes never reach the public eye."
He added: "This is a deliberate and systemic Russian strategy. They know exactly what they are doing. The sadist operating this drone knows full well that he is targeting a civilian."
Ukraine's Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, said the footage exposed "Russia's real tactic: pursuing and killing innocent people." He added: "This is not war. It is deliberate terror against civilians. It is yet another Russian war crime that must receive a proper international legal assessment."
Background in Kherson
Kherson was captured by Russian forces early in the invasion, before being liberated by Ukraine in 2022. Since then, the city has faced constant bombardment, including artillery, mortar, tank, and air strikes. In 2023, Russian forces blew up the nearby Kakhovka Dam, flooding and destroying parts of the city.
Drone strikes on civilians have become increasingly frequent, with locals calling the tactic the "Human Safari". Since 2024, at least 200 civilians are reported to have been killed by Russian drone operators in Kherson. Casualties have included people at bus stops, commuters, children in parks, bus drivers, and ambulance crews.
Locals have also alleged that some drone operators deliberately injure victims and then wait for first responders, only to detonate a second strike targeting those providing assistance. Footage of such attacks is often shared on Russian social media and Telegram channels.
