In a disturbing trend, the Ukrainian city of Beryslav has faced an unprecedented series of drone attacks over recent months, with around 150 civilians reported injured or killed. Investigative reporting reveals that these attacks, primarily conducted by Russian forces, have turned the small town into a site of terror.
Between September 2023 and July 2024, Ukrainian authorities documented over 120 drone strikes in Beryslav, resulting in 16 fatalities and more than 130 injuries, all among civilians. The drones used are often small consumer models equipped with explosives, demonstrating their effectiveness as a weapon in this ongoing conflict.
Beryslav, located on the northern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, has been under Russian bombardment since the invasion began in February 2022. After a brief Ukrainian recapture in late 2022, Russian forces have continued to attack the area with artillery and drones, leading to significant destruction and a mass exodus of residents.
The frequency of drone attacks has surged since autumn 2023, with the use of First Person View (FPV) drones becoming increasingly common. These drones allow operators to conduct precision strikes, raising serious concerns about the targeting of civilian populations.
International humanitarian law prohibits intentional attacks on civilians, and the systematic use of drones in Beryslav raises questions about potential war crimes. Experts emphasize that the regular targeting of civilians with such precise weaponry could constitute a clear violation of international laws.
While it remains challenging to definitively attribute responsibility for these attacks, investigations suggest that specific Russian military units may be involved. The situation in Beryslav highlights the alarming dynamics of modern warfare, where drone technology is increasingly employed against civilian targets, underscoring the urgent need for global attention and response.