A shocking video shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has surfaced, depicting a Russian drone pursuing a street vendor in southern Ukraine, an incident he describes as part of a barbaric “safari” attack against innocent civilians. The footage, which has drawn widespread condemnation, highlights the increasing use of drone warfare by Russian forces to instil fear among local populations.
The Incident
The video captures the tense moment in the Kherson region, where a man, later identified as 52-year-old Yuriy, attempts to evade a drone that relentlessly chases him along a busy street. As he sprints around a white van, the drone descends and detonates, causing him serious injuries. Medical reports indicate that Yuriy sustained multiple shrapnel wounds, a concussion, and other trauma. He has since been hospitalised, sharing his harrowing experience from his hospital bed.
Yuriy recounted that he and his wife were setting up their vegetable stall when he first heard the drone buzzing overhead. As panic set in and his wife fled, the drone focused its attention on him. “I held up some heads of garlic towards the drone’s camera to show I wasn’t a threat,” he stated, emphasising his innocence as he tried to escape.
International Outcry
Zelensky’s post on Telegram emphasised the need for global awareness regarding such atrocities, asserting that the world must recognise the extent of Russian aggression. “We must see every piece of evidence that Russia has gone mad, and every fact that Russian soldiers are enjoying killings and tormenting people,” he stated, urging international condemnation of these acts.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the attack as a “barbaric war crime,” labelling the use of drones against civilians as a systematic strategy employed by Russian forces. He highlighted the sadistic nature of the drone operators, who deliberately target non-combatants. Sybiha called for urgent international response to such incidents, which he insists are part of a broader campaign to intimidate civilians in conflict zones.
The Broader Context
The Kherson region has been a focal point of conflict, situated perilously close to the front lines. A UN report from 2025 corroborated claims that Russian armed forces have repeatedly attacked civilians in the area using drones. These attacks, often filmed and shared online, serve not only as propaganda but also as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by everyday people.
The horrific nature of these so-called “safari” attacks raises serious ethical questions regarding the use of technology in warfare. The UN has classified the posting of such videos, depicting the final moments of victims, as a war crime, highlighting the need for accountability in the face of such violations of human dignity.
A Disturbing Trend
The use of drones in warfare has escalated dramatically in recent years, with both sides in the Ukraine conflict employing them for reconnaissance and targeted strikes. However, the deliberate targeting of civilians marks a troubling shift towards a more ruthless application of this technology. As the international community grapples with the implications of drone warfare, the need for stringent regulations and accountability becomes increasingly urgent.
Why it Matters
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the moral obligations of the international community to protect civilians. The ongoing use of drone strikes against non-combatants not only violates international law but also erodes the fundamental principles of humanity. As reports of such attacks continue to surface, it becomes imperative for global leaders to take a stand against these barbaric tactics and hold perpetrators accountable, ensuring that the voices of victims like Yuriy are not silenced in the chaos of war.