Russian Drone Warfare: UN Confirms Systematic Targeting and Displacement of Ukrainian Civilians

The UN report indicates that drone attacks have significantly reduced population numbers in certain areas. (File)

Geneva:

A UN inquiry has found that Russia has been utilizing drones to pursue civilians residing near Ukraine's front line, forcing them from their homes and actively hunting them down. This systematic campaign has compelled thousands to abandon entire areas, constituting a crime against humanity according to the investigation.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine detailed in their report how civilians were pursued over extended distances by camera-equipped drones. In numerous instances, these individuals were subsequently attacked with incendiary bombs or explosives while attempting to find shelter.

"These attacks were implemented as part of a coordinated strategy to expel civilians from these territories, amounting to the crime against humanity of forcible population transfer," stated the 17-page report scheduled for presentation at the United Nations General Assembly this week.

The findings were based on interviews with 226 individuals, including victims, witnesses, humanitarian workers, and local authorities, supplemented by hundreds of verified online video recordings.

The documented attacks occurred across three regions in southern Ukraine, near the front line and across the Dnipro River from Russian positions, spanning a period exceeding one year.

Russia continues to deny deliberately targeting Ukrainian civilians, despite its forces having killed thousands since launching the full-scale invasion three and a half years ago. Ukraine has also struck civilian infrastructure targets in Russia and Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine, though on a considerably smaller scale.

The report described an incident from August 2024 where a woman from Kherson was pursued by a drone as she parked her car, then attacked and injured as she sought protection in her garage. Two additional drones arrived that same day and struck her residence, which she subsequently abandoned.

According to the report, drone attacks have caused dramatic population decreases in certain areas, with only elderly people and those with disabilities remaining in some locations.

"There is no ambiguity regarding the intent of these drone operators," Erik Mose, Chair of the Inquiry, told Reuters. "They are actively pursuing human beings, whether in their gardens, homes, or on streets."

Some survivors interviewed by UN investigators reported feeling "hunted," and Mose noted that perpetrators had also used this term in drone footage posted online.

Even emergency services including fire brigades, medical personnel, and other first responders have been targeted, depriving local populations of crucial emergency services where they are most desperately needed.

The UN inquiry had previously determined in May that such attacks constituted the crime against humanity of murder. In this latest report, they additionally concluded that these actions amount to forcible transfer and occurred across a broader region spanning over 300 km (180 miles).

The report also documented how Russian authorities have coordinated efforts to deport or transfer civilians from areas under their control in the Zaporizhzhia region, actions that were characterized as war crimes.