Ukraine accused Russia on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, of committing a war crime after a video emerged showing a drone pursuing and injuring a vegetable seller in the southern city of Kherson. The footage, released by Ukrainian police, shows the drone chasing a man around a van used as a street stand before exploding as he took cover behind the vehicle.

Police reported that the man, identified only as a 52-year-old named Yurii, survived but suffered shock and shrapnel injuries. Ukrainian officials released a video interview with Yurii from a hospital ward.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the incident on social media, stating, “Today, many were shocked by yet another video of the drone ‘safari’ Russians are carrying out against civilians in Kherson.” He added that “Russia has gone mad” and called for increased pressure on Moscow and strong security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized the need to support life and push Russia toward peace rather than expanding its drone attacks.

The date of the incident could not be independently confirmed, but both Ukraine’s police and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said it occurred on Tuesday, August 4th. Reuters verified the location using satellite and archive imagery matching the buildings, road layout, and vegetation.

Sources