UN: Russian Drone Attacks in Kherson Region Constitute Crimes Against Humanity
A new report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concludes that Russia’s systematic drone strikes on civilians in Ukraine’s Kherson region may amount to crimes against humanity, The Gaze reports.
Presented at an online press conference on May 28, the report details attacks since July 2024 along more than 100 kilometers of Ukrainian territory on the west bank of the Dnipro River. According to the findings, nearly 150 civilians have been killed and hundreds injured in Kherson and 16 surrounding towns and villages.
“These drone attacks were widespread, systematic, and part of a coordinated state policy. They were planned, targeted, and organized,” said Commission Chair Erik Møse.
The Commission determined that the strikes intentionally targeted civilians, violating fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
Evidence collected includes over 300 verified videos, 600 social media posts, and testimonies from 91 individuals, including survivors, local officials, and medical personnel.
Commissioner Pablo de Greiff highlighted cases such as a September 2022 strike in the village of Poniativka, where a man bled to death in his wife’s arms due to delayed medical aid caused by repeated drone attacks. Ambulances and other protected vehicles were also deliberately targeted.
Commissioner Vrinda Grover underscored Russia’s use of information terror to instill fear, citing Telegram messages from Russian-linked actors threatening residents and warning them to flee.
“This climate of fear and coercion forced thousands to abandon their homes, amounting to a potential crime against humanity in the form of forced displacement,” she said.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the report, calling it the first international document to comprehensively highlight Russia’s targeted drone terror campaign against civilians in the Kherson region. The ministry reiterated its readiness to cooperate with international mechanisms and called for increased global pressure to halt Russian crimes.
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