The Observers - How Russian drones are terrorising civilians in Ukraine
France 24 Europe
by The FRANCE 24 ObserversFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Four years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drones have become a weapon of terror, transforming the battlefield and bringing the war into civilians' lives. Small, agile FPV drones, known for their first-person view technology, are used by Russian forces to target people on foot, in vehicles, or even cycling. These drones, along with larger Shahed drones, have caused widespread fear and destruction across Ukraine, particularly in regions like Kherson, where residents describe a constant threat of attack.
The FPV drones, often used for "human hunting," have turned daily life into a dangerous gamble. Residents report hearing the distinctive whistles of approaching drones, giving them only seconds to seek cover. Farmers in the Kherson region recount how fields are set ablaze by drone strikes, leaving destruction and uncertainty in their wake. The UN reports at least 577 civilians killed and over 3,000 injured by such attacks in 2025 alone, with most casualties occurring in areas under Ukrainian control.
Shahed drones, larger and more powerful than FPVs, are deployed to strike cities like Odessa and Kharkiv, raining down destruction overnight. These strikes often target civilians during sleep hours, maximizing psychological terror. The tactic has been deemed a war crime and crime against humanity by the UN Commission of Inquiry in Ukraine. Rail networks, a vital lifeline for Ukrainians since 2022, have also come under attack, with incidents like the January 2026 strike on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region highlighting the broader impact on essential services.
The use of drones reflects Russia's strategy to deplete civilian morale and disrupt daily life. Unlike missile attacks, drone strikes are unpredictable, leaving no time for warning or evacuation. The psychological toll is immense, as people grapple with the constant threat of losing their homes, livelihoods, and lives. This escalation in tactics underscores how modern warfare has evolved, with technology enabling new forms of violence that target not
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Originally published on France 24 Europe on 2/21/2026