How Russian drones target civilians in a small Ukrainian city | DW Documentary

Summary

The script narrates the plight of Lyubov and Volodymyr Kindrat, who fled their home in Beryslav, Ukraine, after relentless drone attacks. It delves into the strategic use of drones by Russian forces, causing civilian casualties, and raises questions about their intent. The report also explores the involvement of specific Russian units and the potential for war crimes, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of drone warfare and its devastating impact on innocent lives.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Lyubov and Volodymyr Kindrat moved to a quiet village in central Ukraine after their house in Beryslav was attacked by drones.
• 💥 The couple initially mistook the sounds of nature for signs of war, such as thunderstorms and wasps, for drones and explosions.
• 📉 Beryslav's population drastically reduced from 11,000 to about a thousand due to constant drone attacks and military threats.
• 🤖 Russian drones have been used to target civilian areas in Beryslav, with over a hundred strikes reported between September 2023 and July 2024.
• 👴 The majority of the drone attack casualties were elderly, suggesting that the attacks were not targeting military personnel.
• 🚁 The use of drones in the conflict has evolved, with cheaper amateur drones, like FPVs, becoming a significant threat on the battlefield.
• 💰 The cost of assembling an FPV drone is relatively low, around $500, making them accessible for widespread use in warfare.
• 🎯 Russian drone operators may have been using attacks on Beryslav to train and improve their skills, raising suspicions of intentional civilian targeting.
• ⚔️ There is evidence of 'double tap' attacks, where a second strike is made on the same target after assistance arrives, to maximize casualties.
• 📊 Three specific Russian units have been identified as operating in the area and potentially responsible for the drone attacks on Beryslav.
• 🏢 The BARS-33 volunteer battalion, associated with Russian politicians and military figures, has been involved in drone testing and attacks.

Q & A

What significant change did Lyubov and Volodymyr Kindrat experience after relocating to a quiet village in the Cherkasy region?

Lyubov and Volodymyr Kindrat, who had relocated to a quiet village in the Cherkasy region, experienced the absence of bombs, shells, or explosions, and instead, they heard nightingales singing at night, a stark contrast to the sounds of war they had left behind.

Why were the Kindrats scared during the first thunderstorm after their relocation?

The Kindrats were scared during the first thunderstorm because the sound of thunder rolling reminded them of the bombs and explosions they had experienced in Beryslav, causing them to associate the natural phenomenon with the violence of war.

What was the impact of Russian drone attacks on the city of Beryslav and its population?

The Russian drone attacks on Beryslav resulted in over a hundred civilian casualties and caused the majority of the population to flee, leaving behind only about a thousand residents, mostly the elderly or people with disabilities.

Why might Russian drones be targeting the small city of Beryslav despite its lack of significant military presence?

The targeting of Beryslav could be due to its strategic location on the Western bank of the Dnipro river, which was regained by Ukraine in the fall of 2022, forcing the Russian military to retreat. Additionally, there is a suspicion that Russian drone pilots might be using the civilian population for training purposes.

How have the drone attacks affected the daily lives of the remaining residents in Beryslav?

The remaining residents in Beryslav have been forced to drastically alter their daily routines, venturing out only after dark when drones cannot see them, and living in constant fear of being targeted by the attacks.

What is the significance of the First-Person View (FPV) drones in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine?

FPV drones, originally used for hobbies like racing or aerial photography, have become crucial in the conflict due to their ability to provide real-time imagery to the operator, making them effective for both observation and delivering explosives.

What is the cost implication of using FPV drones in warfare as mentioned in the script?

FPV drones are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, with a typical FPV drone costing around $500 to assemble, making them an affordable option for sustained warfare.

How have relief workers been affected by the drone attacks in Beryslav?

Relief workers, including those from international NGOs like World Central Kitchen, have faced increased danger, with drones targeting them and even causing casualties, such as the incident in February 2024 where two French nationals were killed.

What is the 'double tap' assault technique mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to drone attacks?

The 'double tap' assault technique involves hitting a target and then waiting for assistance to arrive before striking again to maximize harm. This has been observed in drone attacks, where Russian soldiers might wait for first responders to arrive at the scene of an attack before launching a second strike.

What evidence suggests that the drone attacks on Beryslav may constitute war crimes?

The indiscriminate use of drones against civilians, the systematic nature of the attacks, and the lack of any attempt to distinguish between civilian and military targets, as well as the intentional targeting of relief workers, all suggest that the drone attacks may amount to war crimes under international humanitarian law.

What is the connection between the Russian units stationed on the left bank of the Dnipro river and the drone attacks on Beryslav?

Three specific Russian units have been stationed on the left bank of the Dnipro river and have been seen operating drones targeting Beryslav. These include the secretive 10th Special Purpose Brigade, the 205th Infantry Brigade, and the BARS-33 volunteer battalion, which have all been implicated in the attacks.