"Russian forces used an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) to attack a bus moving on the streets of Kherson, killing four passengers", Ukraine's prosecutor's office stated on 19/8.
The military-civilian administration of Kherson province reported that all four deceased victims were elderly. The agency believes Kherson is becoming a place where Russian drones consistently "hunt civilians" through systematic attacks on automobiles, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Ukrainian police released images showing the bus floor stained with blood, shattered windows, and a large hole in the roof after the drone strike. They reported five people were injured in the incident.
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Ukrainian authorities posted photos of what is believed to be the bus attacked by a Russian drone in Kherson on 19/8. Photo: Telegram/Oleksandr Prokudin. |
"This is the reality of daily life in frontline areas. While partners still hesitate to provide more defensive equipment to Ukraine, Russia has long acted without restraint", Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media.
On 4/8, Mr. Zelensky also posted a video showing a suspected Russian drone pursuing a "vegetable seller" in Kherson, forcing the individual to run around a vehicle to escape. In the video, a man ran around a van, seemingly a roadside stall, attempting to evade the pursuing drone.
The drone then descended and exploded right next to the man, just as he ran to the left side of the cabin. "Many people today are shocked by the video of Russia's drone 'hunt' targeting civilians in Kherson. The Russian drone deliberately pursued the vegetable seller and exploded right next to him", President Zelensky stated.
Russia has not yet responded to these accusations. However, Moscow has repeatedly asserted that it only targets Ukraine's military infrastructure, minimizing civilian casualties.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, beyond the Kherson region, Russia launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 65 drones in an attack on the night of 19/8. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 56 drones and two loitering munitions.
The United Nations stated that the number of civilian deaths in the Ukraine conflict increased throughout 2026, as this war, lasting over four years, continues with no signs of a peace agreement.
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Ukrainian authorities posted photos of the bus after the attack in Kherson on 19/8, with a large hole in its roof. Photo: Reuters. |
Ukraine recently launched a "long-range punishment" campaign, aiming to disrupt Russia's economy and logistics supporting its war efforts. Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) consistently target Russian oil refineries, oil tankers, substations, and energy infrastructure, as well as warehouses belonging to the Wildberries retail group.
After suffering some losses due to Ukraine's long-range offensive, Russia began retaliating with a series of large-scale airstrikes. The Russian military also attacked numerous cargo ships suspected of carrying weapons and military supplies for the adversary in the Black Sea, as well as striking port infrastructure in Odesa and Mykolaiv provinces.
According to experts, both sides are currently demonstrating offensive capabilities that far exceed the opponent's air defense systems. This implies more successful strikes, heavier destruction of economic infrastructure and essential facilities, and a weekly increase in civilian casualties.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)
