Drone attacks on Kherson region residents recognized as crimes against humanity

An independent international commission has documented deliberate attacks by Russian drones on civilians in the Kherson region, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries. These attacks were recognized as crimes against humanity.

This was reported by Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

The International Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has released evidence of deliberate terror of the civilian population in Kherson region by Russia. Experts analyzed more than 300 videos of attacks, 600 messages on Telegram, conducted 91 interviews with witnesses, victims, doctors and local authorities, supplementing the materials with satellite images and forensic medical reports.

The report documents massive attacks by Russian drones along more than 100 kilometers of the right bank of the Dnipro River. Since July 2024, at least 148 civilians have been killed and hundreds injured. According to the Commission, most of the more than 1,100 UAV flights were aimed at civilians. Drone operators had access to real-time video, which allowed them to target pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and even people waiting for medical care. Cases of ambulances being destroyed and repeated attacks on places of care were recorded.

The head of the commission, Eric Möse, said that these are not random incidents, but planned crimes that are part of the state policy of the Russian Federation. The constant fear has forced thousands of residents to leave their homes, which can be considered a crime against humanity - forced displacement.

The Commission called on Russia to immediately cease its attacks on civilians and appealed to the UN Security Council to increase sanctions. The collected evidence was recommended to be handed over to the International Criminal Court to bring the perpetrators to justice. International donors were also urged to increase assistance to the residents of Kherson region, from emergency medical support to resettlement programs.

Every morning, before dawn, Russian drones cross the river and begin a targeted hunt for civilians. They deliberately hit ambulances, medics, police, utility workers, and ordinary people who are on their way to work or just trying to survive.

After the strikes, drone operators post videos of the killings on telegram channels, mocking the deaths. The drones do not act randomly - they fly low, pursue the target and hit it up close. For the residents of Kherson, every time they leave their homes, they risk not returning home.

Анна Бальчінос