Russian Drones Target Civilians As Putin Tightens Grip On Ukraine's Kherson

Last Updated:August 07, 2025, 17:02 IST

Over the past week, Russian forces have damaged a key bridge connecting Kherson’s main city with the island district of Korabel, sparking a large-scale evacuation effort

A rescuer working outside a residential building partially destroyed after a Russian air strike in Kherson. (AFP file photo)

Russia has intensified its drone campaign in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, targeting civilian areas with near-daily strikes as it attempts to tighten control over the region.

The renewed assault has forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents and drawn sharp criticism from local officials and international observers.

Over the past week, Russian forces have damaged a key bridge connecting Kherson’s main city with the island district of Korabel, sparking a large-scale evacuation effort.

Around 1,800 civilians remain on the island, and Ukrainian rescuers reported removing more than 900 by midweek. Although the evacuation convoys were temporarily spared from drone attacks, the rest of the city continues to endure unrelenting strikes.

Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of deliberately targeting civilians using drones. Yaroslav Shanko, head of Kherson’s city military administration, speaking to CNN, said, “They absolutely do not care what the targets are."

“Talking about any humanity from the Russians is absolutely pointless. Strikes on the community and the city are constant," Shanko added.

Civilians have reported harrowing experiences. Nadiya, an elderly evacuee, described the terror of waking to the sound of drones overhead. “They are hitting so hard since the morning. When is all of this going to be over?" she asked while sitting in the back of an armoured van. “We already went crazy from all of this. When will they ever come to their senses? Causing such horror, killing everyone for the ‘peace’?"

Another resident, Nina, 85, fled Korabel in 35°C heat with the help of volunteers. Separated from her belongings, she stood with a crutch at an aid point. “There is no plan, I will live where they put me," she said. “I am on one leg. I am so tired of this shooting that my nerves can’t take it anymore."

Drone strikes have become a defining feature of Russia’s war tactics in Kherson. Local hospitals are overwhelmed, treating dozens of injuries from recent shelling and drone attacks.

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), these attacks are not isolated. A report published in January accused Russia of routinely using commercially available quadcopter drones—many made domestically or in China—to hunt and harm civilians. The NGO stated that dozens have been killed and hundreds injured in clear violations of international law.

“Russian drone operators are able to track their targets, with high-resolution video feeds, leaving little doubt that the intent is to kill, maim, and terrify civilians," Belkis Wille, director on arms and conflict at HRW, had said.

(With inputs from CNN)

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