How Russian drones targeting civilians are turning one Ukrainian city into a human safari

KHERSON, Ukraine — Residents of Kherson live in a constant state of fear, particularly individuals like Olena Horlova, who worries that Russian drones may be lurking nearby, ready to strike. She takes precautions to protect her daughters, often keeping them indoors and navigating dark streets at night without headlights to avoid detection. Since the city was liberated from Russian occupation in November 2022, the threat has not diminished. Kherson has become a testing ground for short-range, first-person view (FPV) drones that target civilians, equipped with livestreaming cameras that allow operators to choose their victims in real time. This tactic has expanded across the Dnipro River region, from Kherson to Dnipropetrovsk and Mykolaiv. The United Nations' Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has reported that these drone strikes have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, destruction of homes, and mass displacement, categorizing these actions as potential crimes against humanity. “We live with the hope that one day this will finally end,” said Horlova, her voice shaking with emotion. “We just want a cease-fire or for the front line to move further away.” Horlova resides in Komyshany, a village near Kherson, where the frequency of drone attacks remains high despite the city's liberation. Locals refer to the area as a “human safari,” where civilians often find themselves in the crosshairs of these aerial assaults. Horlova describes how drones sometimes wait on rooftops until a target appears, then launch explosives at unsuspecting individuals, vehicles, or even livestock. The Commission's report highlights the pervasive terror inflicted on civilians, affirming that these attacks violate fundamental human rights. Investigators identified specific Russian drone units and operators responsible for the strikes, which have been publicized on Russian Telegram channels, often accompanied by mocking commentary. Interceptions from the 310th Separate Marine Electronic Warfare Battalion reveal drone activity aimed at hunting down vehicles, including ambulances. Commander Dmytro Liashok reported an alarming statistic: approximately 300 drones approach Kherson daily, with 9,000 recorded in October alone. He described the area as a training ground for new Russian crews before they are deployed elsewhere. Despite the overwhelming number of drones, Liashok stated his forces successfully neutralize over 90% of them. However, according to the U.N. human rights office, these drone strikes have become the leading cause of civilian casualties along the front line. Since July 2024, local authorities report over 200 civilian deaths and more than 2,000 injuries, primarily affecting men, alongside nearly 3,000 homes damaged or destroyed. A recent visit by Angelina Jolie underscored the gravity of the situation, as she described the constant threat of drones as a “heavy presence” in the lives of local families. One hospital in Kherson has been treating victims of drone strikes, including 70-year-old Nataliia Naumova, who sustained serious injuries from an attack while awaiting evacuation. Dr. Yevhen Haran, the hospital’s deputy medical chief, noted the severity of injuries from these drone strikes, emphasizing that the assaults resemble hunting expeditions targeting civilians. He recounted his own near-fatal experience under drone fire, highlighting the pervasive danger that residents face daily. For the people of Kherson, the trauma of occupation and liberation continues to shape their resilience in the face of ongoing drone attacks. “We held out until liberation — we’ll hold out until peace as well,” said one local, reflecting the enduring spirit of the community amidst adversity.