Ukraine accuses Russia of using drones to target civilians in ‘drone safari’

Ukraine is accusing Russian forces of deliberately using explosive drones to target civilians in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described as a "drone safari."

(NBC)-Ukraine is accusing Russian forces of deliberately using explosive drones to target civilians in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described as a “drone safari.”

Newly released video from the Ukrainian military appears to show a vegetable vendor running from a drone that continues to pursue him before an explosion erupts nearby.

The man, identified as Yury, survived the attack but says he still has shrapnel lodged in his back.

Ukraine also released video that appears to show another drone pursuing a woman riding a bicycle. Officials say she was wounded in the leg.

The attacks highlight the growing role of small, explosive drones in the war, with Ukraine alleging Russia is using them to hunt civilians.

At the same time, Ukraine has expanded its own use of drones, including long-range AI-assisted strikes. Ukrainian officials point to recent attacks targeting Russia’s strategic bomber fleet.

Russia has also reported civilian casualties from suspected Ukrainian drone attacks. Officials there say a drone strike hit a crowded beach Monday, killing three children.

As both sides increasingly rely on drones, the conflict is entering what observers describe as a new phase of warfare, with civilians facing growing risks far from the front lines.

According to the United Nations, more than 16,000 civilians have been killed since the war began.