Ukrainian authorities released distressing footage depicting a Russian drone attack targeting civilians in the southern city of Kherson, illustrating a pattern of harassment that officials have described as a “drone safari.” The incident was disclosed by Ukraine’s National Police on August 4, 2026, highlighting the continued use of unmanned aerial devices by Russian forces to intimidate and inflict harm on noncombatants.
The video shows a 52-year-old fruit vendor operating in Kherson, who had travelled from the neighboring Mykolaiv region. The footage captures the man raising his hands in plea as a Russian quadcopter drone, equipped with an explosive device, maneuvers slowly around him before detonating near his position. Despite being severely injured by shrapnel and concussion, the vendor survived the attack.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the incident as part of a broader campaign of terror against civilians. He characterized the attacks as deliberate provocations by Russian troops, occurring regularly since the Russian military’s withdrawal from Kherson four years ago. Zelensky accused Russian forces of admitting to and boasting about these actions, which he described as cruelty inflicted on innocent residents.
The video — filmed from a nearby building — shows the vendor unarmed and clearly identifiable as a civilian. He is seen next to his produce, shaded by a green umbrella beside a white van, dressed in casual clothing. The drone’s slow and deliberate movements, including hovering low enough to kick up dust, suggest the operator maintained a controlled, persistent pursuit rather than a tactical strike intended to avoid detection. This behavior contrasts with typical military drone attacks, which are usually swift to minimize countermeasures.
Ukraine’s National Police described the drone strikes as intentional targeting of civilians, labeling the acts as war crimes under international law. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha characterized the attacks as part of a systematic strategy by Russian forces, asserting they are aware of their actions and intent.
Kyiv has documented over 200,000 alleged war crimes attributed to Russian troops, ranging from physical torture to direct assaults on civilian populations. Officials continue to call for international attention and accountability regarding these incidents.
The incident underscores ongoing security risks facing residents in Kherson and other contested regions as the conflict in Ukraine extends into its sixth year. Russian forces, although largely expelled from Kherson in 2022, continue to use drone technology to intimidate the local population, exacerbating humanitarian concerns amid the protracted hostilities.