**Title: Video Shows Russian Drone Chasing Ukrainian Street Vendor in 'Human Safari' Attack**
In a disturbing incident captured on video, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shared footage depicting a Russian drone pursuing a street vendor in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine. The video, which has sparked outrage, is being described by Zelensky as an example of a Russian "safari" attack targeting civilians.
The footage shows a 52-year-old man, identified as Yuriy, attempting to evade the drone as it hovers above him on a city street. Yuriy can be seen cowering behind a white van while the drone follows him closely. Despite his efforts to escape, the drone ultimately descends and detonates near him, resulting in injuries.
In his social media post, Zelensky emphasized the need for the world to witness such acts of violence, stating, "It must see every piece of evidence that Russia has gone mad, and every fact that Russian soldiers are enjoying killings and tormenting people." He characterized the incident as part of a broader pattern of behavior by Russian forces, which have reportedly employed drones against civilians in a tactic referred to as "human safari."
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attack, labeling it a "barbaric war crime." He described the use of drones in this manner as a "deliberate and systemic Russian strategy," asserting that the operator of the drone was fully aware that he was targeting a civilian.
Following the attack, Yuriy was hospitalized, where he spoke about the harrowing experience. He recounted how he and his wife were preparing to sell vegetables when he first heard the drone's distinct buzzing sound overhead. As his wife fled for safety, the drone shifted its focus to him. In a bid to communicate with the drone's operator, Yuriy held up vegetables, hoping to convey that he posed no threat. However, the drone continued its pursuit, ultimately causing an explosion that left him with concussion, trauma, and multiple shrapnel injuries. His van was also destroyed in the attack.
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing use of drones by Russian forces in the Kherson region, a location that lies perilously close to the front lines of the conflict. A 2025 United Nations report indicated that Russian armed forces have been known to target civilians in this area, frequently resulting in casualties.
The practice of broadcasting drone footage of attacks on civilians has raised significant ethical concerns. The UN has condemned such actions, stating that posting videos of civilians being killed or injured constitutes a war crime, specifically the "outrages upon personal dignity."
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, incidents like this highlight the severe risks faced by civilians in frontline regions. The use of drones in warfare has transformed the nature of combat, raising questions about accountability and the protection of non-combatants in conflict zones. The international community remains watchful of developments in Ukraine, as calls for justice and accountability grow louder in response to these alarming tactics.