UN Report Declares Russian Drone Strikes in Ukraine as Crimes Against Humanity

A recent report by a UN rights commission has determined that drone attacks carried out by Russian forces against civilians in southeastern Ukraine amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes. The independent international commission of inquiry on Ukraine, which reports back to the United Nations, published its findings this week, highlighting that Russian troops operating under centralized command have systematically used drones to target civilians and civilian infrastructure, leading to significant harm and destruction. The report focused particularly on three regions near the front line: Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk, where the intensity of drone attacks has notably escalated over the past year. Along the Dnipro River, Russian drones have relentlessly targeted not only homes but also humanitarian distribution points and critical infrastructure essential for civilian survival. Evidence shows that certain locations have been struck repeatedly, and ambulance crews and emergency responders have often been caught in the crosshairs. According to the report, the Russian military has employed various models of small, short-range, and low-cost drones, typically equipped with cameras and guidance systems. Some of these drones explode upon impact, while others release explosives from above. These often differ from the larger long-range drones used to attack Ukrainian cities on a near-nightly basis. The report cites local authorities estimating that more than 200 civilians have been killed and around 2,000 injured in the three regions attributed to these short-range drone strikes over the past year. To compile the report, the authors conducted over 200 interviews and reviewed more than 500 pieces of video evidence. The findings suggest the drone attacks not only constitute murder but also the war crime of intentionally targeting civilians. Furthermore, the coordinated nature of these assaults aligns with a broader policy to forcibly displace civilians from these areas, therefore constituting the crime against humanity of population transfer. Residents of Kherson have expressed the harrowing reality of living under constant threat from drone strikes. Dima Olifirenko, a 22-year-old local, recounted his near-fatal encounter with a drone while simply waiting for a bus. He described the pervasive fear and unpredictability of drone activity, explaining how even mundane errands are fraught with danger. Olifirenko, who suffered shrapnel injuries during a drone explosion, remarked on the inherent terror of drone warfare, highlighting that unlike traditional artillery, drones strike unexpectedly and can detect their targets. The UN report indicates that Russia’s strategy appears designed to instill fear and drive civilians out of frontline areas. One woman living in a frequently targeted region articulated the psychological toll, expressing a sense of living in a continual lottery of life and death, unsure of what each day may bring. While Russia has consistently denied targeting civilians, evidence indicates that over nearly four years of full-scale war, Russian missiles and drones have repeatedly struck civilian areas. The Russian government chose not to engage with the UN during the inquiry process, rejecting the commission's authority. Attempts to investigate claims of Ukrainian drone strikes against civilian targets in Russian-occupied areas have also been stymied by lack of cooperation from Moscow. The commission’s report underscores the urgent need for accountability and a reassessment of wartime conduct, as the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to escalate amid ongoing military hostilities. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2