Residents of Kherson in southern Ukraine are facing a relentless threat as Russian drones target civilians, forcing many to flee for their lives. Humanitarian groups are stepping in to offer vital aid and protection.

Kherson, a southern Ukrainian city, has become the backdrop of a chilling campaign of terror, with Russian forces using small FPV drones equipped with explosives to hunt civilians in broad daylight. Residents have started referring to these targeted attacks as a ‘safari,’ a stark reflection of the indiscriminate nature of the violence. The drones, operated by pilots stationed across the Dnipro River, track and strike individuals as they attempt to escape. Victoria, a local resident, fled the city with her 10-year-old daughter, describing her hometown as uninhabitable due to daily life-or-death struggles.

Humanitarian efforts are ramping up to provide relief to the remaining 60,000 residents in Kherson. Organizations like ‘Be an Angel’ and local group ‘Strong Because Free’ are working tirelessly to save lives and bring aid to those trapped in the city. Volunteers have resorted to innovative measures, including deploying protective devices like net guns designed to disable drones. Ihor Tschornyj, leader of one such group, expressed gratitude upon receiving the equipment, stating it would help safeguard civilians at risk from indiscriminate drone attacks.

For Kherson’s residents, survival often means staying indoors and avoiding open spaces, as drones target individuals in cars, buses, or even on bicycles. Community shelters have been established to provide some semblance of safety, offering spaces for social interaction and physical activity for children. Despite these efforts, the psychological toll remains high. Many residents, like Nina, a retiree who frequents one of the shelters, cling to faith and courage as they navigate streets fraught with danger. The drone strikes, which have killed hundreds and injured thousands, show no sign of abating, leaving Kherson teetering on the brink of despair.