Russian Drone Hunts Vegetable Vendor in Kherson; Ukraine Alleges ‘Human Safari’ Attack (Video)
Sharing the footage on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike, describing it as part of a ongoing 'human safari' tactics used by Russian forces to target non-combatants in frontline regions.
A video showing a Russian drone pursuing a vegetable vendor through a market area in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson has sparked fresh condemnation from Kyiv, with Ukrainian officials describing the incident as part of a "human safari" campaign targeting civilians. The 52-year-old vendor survived the attack with shrapnel injuries after the drone exploded near him, while Ukraine accused Russia of committing a war crime. Russia had not commented on the specific incident at the time of publication and has consistently denied deliberately targeting civilians during the war.
Video Shows Drone Pursuing Civilian
Footage released by Ukrainian authorities shows the drone following the street vendor around his produce van before detonating nearby. The man, identified by Ukrainian officials as Yurii, suffered shrapnel wounds and a concussion but survived. Reuters verified the location of the footage in Kherson but could not independently confirm all the circumstances surrounding the attack. Ukrainian Strikes Hit Saratov Oil Refinery and Engels Airbase, Claims President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Kyiv Describes Incident as ‘Human Safari’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike, saying it reflected what he described as Russia's practice of using drones to hunt civilians in frontline communities. Ukrainian officials have referred to such attacks as a "human safari," alleging that drones are deliberately used to pursue non-combatants rather than military targets. They have called for stronger international pressure on Moscow and additional air defence support for Ukraine.
Russia Has Not Responded to Specific Allegation
Russia had not publicly responded to the Kherson incident. Throughout the conflict, Moscow has denied intentionally targeting civilians and has accused Ukraine of carrying out attacks that have killed civilians in Russian-controlled territory and inside Russia. Ukraine rejects those accusations, maintaining that its military operations are directed only at military objectives. Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Troops Attacking Only Military Targets, Claims Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Kherson Faces Persistent Drone Threat
Kherson, liberated by Ukrainian forces in late 2022, remains one of the country's most heavily targeted frontline cities because Russian positions lie across the Dnipro River. Ukrainian officials say residents face frequent artillery and drone attacks, with drones increasingly being used in low-altitude strikes against vehicles, markets and public spaces.
International Concern Over Civilian Safety
The incident comes amid growing international concern over the impact of drone warfare on civilians in Ukraine. According to the United Nations, civilian casualties have risen significantly in 2026, with nearly 1,400 people killed and around 8,000 injured during the first half of the year. Ukraine argues that the Kherson attack illustrates a broader pattern of civilian targeting, while Russia continues to reject allegations that it intentionally attacks non-combatants.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2026 11:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
