Video shows Russian drone chasing Ukrainian street vendor in 'human safari' attack

In southern Ukraine's Kherson region, a video has surfaced showing a Russian drone relentlessly pursuing a street vendor, an incident frequently referred to as a "human safari" attack. The unidentified vendor, named Yuriy, managed to evade the drone by running around a van before it ultimately exploded upon impact. Yuriy was left with multiple shrapnel wounds, concussion, and trauma.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky shared the video on social media, highlighting the "barbaric war crime" and accusing Russia of indulging in sadistic killings and torment of people. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it a "deliberate and systemic Russian strategy" and demanded international condemnation. Yuriy described hearing a buzzing sound and being targeted despite his attempts to communicate his civilian status.

The video was geolocated to a market space in the Tavriiskyi district of northern Kherson, an area close to the front line. Russia has been accused of carrying out "human safari" attacks in Kherson, frequently targeting civilians with drones. A 2025 UN report documented such incidents, noting the use of drones to kill and injure civilians by the Russian armed forces.