The Russian military has stepped up drone attacks on vehicles in the Kherson region and has been ordered to engage in so-called «free hunting» of vehicles, the Kherson Regional Military Administration reported, citing the Defence Forces. The danger applies to vehicles on the roads and in areas where large numbers of cars gather at the same time; residents are urged to be particularly vigilant over the coming weeks.
Briefly about the main points
- The OVA reported an increase in attacks by Russian drones on road transport.
- Russian forces have increased the number of drone crews in the region.
- Civilian vehicles and vehicles resembling those used by the Defence Forces are at risk.
- Car parks, markets, petrol stations and other places where vehicles congregate have been identified as dangerous.
- Residents are advised to heed warnings and seek shelter where possible.
More drone crews were deployed for the strikes
The primary target for Russian drone operators is vehicles. They may pay particular attention to vehicles that resemble Defence Forces vehicles in appearance, but the threat remains for ordinary civilian cars as well.
To intensify their attacks, Russian troops have increased the number of drone crews operating in the region. Among the weapons deployed are — FPV drones, in particular fibre-optic-controlled devices. Such a communication channel is more difficult to jam using conventional electronic warfare methods.
The operator of an FPV drone can see the target in real time and, once it has been detected, change the direction of flight — both in relation to a car and to a person.
The risk increases where cars build up
The OVA also pointed out that the danger does not arise solely whilst driving on the roads. There is an increased risk in car parks near supermarkets, markets, petrol stations and other places where large numbers of vehicles gather.
Residents are advised not to linger near such sites unless necessary, to keep an eye on the situation and to respond to warnings about drone hazards. They are also advised to minimise their time spent in open areas and to seek shelter where possible.
Attacks on civilians and transport have already been reported in Kherson
The National Police had previously released a video showing a Russian drone pursuing and attacking a civilian man at one of the markets in Kherson. Law enforcement agencies also reported strikes on civilian and public transport, rescue workers and residents on the right bank of the region.
According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, short-range drones were the main cause of civilian deaths and injuries near the front line in May 2026. In the Kherson region at that time, 14 civilian deaths and 221 civilian injuries were recorded.
The OVA warns that increased activity by Russian drone groups may continue over the coming weeks.
