Russian drones deliberately attack the civilian population of Ukraine. In the new bulletin of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (UNHRM) reported about serious violations of international humanitarian law during short-range drone attacks that caused significant civilian casualties.
The document emphasizes that the large number of victims among the civilian population indicates the frequent use of these drones in violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law — in particular, the principles of distinction and precautionary measures. In some cases, drone operators have deliberately targeted civilians or objects, including ambulances and medical personnel. Such actions can be qualified as war crimes.
“Thanks to the presence of on-board cameras that allow you to distinguish civilians from combatants in real time, these drones should strengthen the protection of the civilian population.”, — stressed the head of the UN Monitoring Mission on Human Rights in Ukraine, Danielle Bell.
According to the mission, from February 2022 to April 2025, at least 395 civilians were killed and another 2,635 were injured as a result of short-range Russian drone attacks. The vast majority of victims — 89% — suffered in the territories controlled by Ukraine as a result of the actions of the Russian armed forces.
“Instead, we record the deaths and injuries of people who are simply going about their lives: riding buses, walking home, delivering food or providing vital humanitarian aid. This shows that such weapons are being used in gross violation of the rules of war.” added Danielle Bell.
