Footage appears to show Russian drones targeting Ukranian civilians: reports
The disturbing videos were reportedly posted to social media as threats to the Ukrainian public.
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WARNING: GRAPHIC
Disturbing footage has emerged of Russian drones appearing to be targeting Ukranian civilians, according to reports.
Evidence of apparent drone attacks on civilians can be seen in videos shared on Ukrainian and Russian social media.
BBC Verify confirmed at least six of these videos were from Ukraine.
In the videos, you can see through the remote operator’s camera as they track movements of a pedestrian or motorist, appearing to be in civilian clothing, often dropping grenades which appear to injure or kill their target.
The videos were reportedly posted to social media as threats to the Ukrainian public. The injured people were called “pigs”, in some cases.
The frequency of the attacks and the small size of the drones make them difficult for Ukrainian forces nullify, the broadcaster reported.
Drones also move at high speed, making it extremely difficult for civilians to escape.
Resident Angela Dobrovolsky told the BBC her husband was killed by a drone in their backyard in Kherson, in southern Ukraine.
She said he stepped outside, lit a cigarette and started chatting with his neighbour before they heard a drone buzzing overhead.
Her husband ran to take cover, before a grenade was dropped by a drone, she said.
“He died before the ambulance arrived. I was told he was very unlucky, because a piece of shrapnel pierced his heart.”
Serhiy is one of 30 civilians killed in drone attacks in Kherson since July 1, the city’s military administration told the BBC.
Drones have changed warfare in Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine are using them against military targets.
But Russia is now reportedly using them against civilians.
“They can see who they are killing,” said Angela.
“Is this how they want to fight, by just bombing people walking in the streets?”
Targeting civilians is considered a war crime.
The Russian military did not respond to the BBC’s questions about the allegations.
Concern is mounting over North Korea’s alliance with Russia, as neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has denied that North Korean troops are aiding Russian forces.
Ukraine, wrestling with manpower shortages, plans to recruit an additional 160,000 troops, according to National Security Council Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko.
The push comes as Russia logged major advances, including in nearby villages of Bogoyavlenka, Girnyk, and Katerynivka.
Russia’s gains now total 478 square kilometres in October alone, with two-thirds of that land in Donetsk — an unprecedented advance since March 2022,
President Zelensky, speaking with South Korean President Yoon, emphasised the escalating international stakes.
“The conclusion is clear: this war is becoming internationalised, extending beyond two countries,” he told President Yoon.
President Yoon called the involvement “unprecedented and dangerous,” warning of possible military tech and knowledge transfers from Moscow to South Korean officials will visit Ukraine soon to discuss this new escalation in person.
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