Translated with AI
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry into Violations in Ukraine has reported systematic attacks by Russian forces using short-range drones on civilians and infrastructure in the Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv regions.
According to the commission, the strikes took place along more than 300 kilometers of the right bank of the Dnieper River, controlled by Ukrainian forces. "The evidence indicates that these actions were carried out as part of a coordinated state policy and constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes," emphasized commission chairman Erik Møse.
The commission noted that Russian drones attacked not only civilians on foot or in vehicles, but also civilian objects, critical infrastructure, ambulances, and other emergency services. "The circumstances of these attacks indicate an intent to cause harm and destruction," Møse stated.
A DW investigation emphasizes that the city of Beryslav in the Kherson region has been the target of systematic attacks. From September 2023 to July 2024, the local administration recorded over 100 attacks, resulting in 130 casualties and 16 deaths. According to DW, the Russian army is using drones, including the new Veles UAV, as precision weapons, reducing the risk of accidental impact.
The commission also reported that it was unable to complete its investigation into Russian authorities' allegations of Ukrainian drone attacks due to a lack of access to the relevant territories and Russia's failure to respond to the commission's inquiries.
The Independent Commission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2022, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It documents violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
