Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Russia of deliberately using drones to attack civilians in Ukraine, in violation of international law. In a report released Tuesday, HRW said Russian forces have carried out dozens of drone attacks on civilians in Kherson and other areas, killing at least 30 people and injuring hundreds from June to December 2024.
The NGO said Russia deployed commercially available drones—some made in China by DJI and Autel—to “hunt” civilians, describing the attacks as part of a campaign to terrorise local communities.
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Belkis Wille, a director at HRW, alleged that “the intent is to kill, maim and terrify civilians,” adding that the international community must support accountability for these war crimes.
HRW’s findings are based on interviews with 36 survivors and witnesses, 83 drone videos shared on Russian military channels, and evidence from researchers.
A January 2025 UN report also said drone strikes accounted for 70 percent of civilian casualties in Kherson. Russian authorities have not commented on the report.
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