In the city of Kherson, southern Ukraine, small drones have been routinely used to target ordinary citizens, dropping hand grenades and recording video of their attacks, according to a report by the U.N. commission. These actions are being classified as war crimes due to their deliberate targeting of non-combatants. The report highlights the increasing use of such tactics in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about civilian safety and the ethical implications of drone warfare.
The report was based on observations and testimonies from local residents and humanitarian organizations. One witness described taking cover near the scene of shelling as a drone flew overhead in Kherson in 2023, illustrating the perilous conditions faced by civilians. The U.N. inquiry is expected to provide further details on the scale of these attacks and their impact on the civilian population.
International reactions have been mixed, with some countries calling for stricter regulations on the use of drones in warfare, while others are focusing on the need for humanitarian aid and protection for civilians. The findings may influence future international law and policies regarding the use of force in conflicts involving civilian populations.