Russia has reportedly begun dropping booby-trapped wet wipe packs and power banks onto the streets of Ukraine, a tactic described as a new wave of 'crimes against civilians'. These explosive-filled devices have been discovered in the city of Kherson over recent days, according to the charity Hope For Ukraine. The organization accuses Vladimir Putin's forces of targeting innocent civilians, including children, who might mistake the seemingly harmless items for everyday objects.
This marks a shift from Russia's previous tactics in Kherson, which involved deploying anti-personnel mines, such as the 'petal mines' or 'gingerbread mines,' which were previously not hidden within common household items. Yuriy Boyechko, CEO of Hope For Ukraine, suggested that this change in strategy may be a response to Kherson residents becoming more adept at avoiding uncamouflaged explosives. "In Kherson, we are seeing the development of terror against civilians," Boyechko stated. "The public were alerted and people were staying away. Now from around mid-June we have been seeing the Russians hiding explosives in things such as boxes of napkins."
Reports indicate that about three days prior to the claims, city officials discovered a power bank on the street containing explosives. Boyechko described the situation as a "very disturbing tendency and is very dangerous for children walking along the side of the street or even adults." He added, "Unsuspecting pedestrians may pick them up or step on them and get themselves killed. This is a war crime against civilians. The city is frightened to death."
Kherson, a strategically vital area due to its proximity to the Dnipro River and Crimea, was captured by Russian forces in March 2022. Ukraine regained control of Kherson city later that year following a counteroffensive. It is believed these improvised explosive devices are being delivered into the city via drones before being dropped onto streets.
Officials are concerned that these tactics are a form of psychological warfare, aimed at creating fear and disrupting civilian life. Yaroslav Shanko, Head of Kherson City Military Administration, warned, "The calculation is simple and cynical: a person may mistake such an object for a lost charging device, pick it up, or try to use it. The consequences could be fatal." He urged parents to instruct their children not to pick up any items found on the street, regardless of their appearance.
These developments in Kherson occurred amidst continued Russian attacks elsewhere in Ukraine. On the day prior to these reports, at least three people were killed and 15 injured in Russian strikes on the city of Zaporizhzhia, which also damaged critical infrastructure.
In related news, outgoing UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. Starmer affirmed that the United Kingdom's support for Ukraine would remain steadfast, regardless of leadership changes. "I believe Ukraine will win this war," Starmer stated, commending Ukraine's fighting capabilities. He expressed confidence that his successor would continue the commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the shared values of democracy and freedom between Britain and Ukraine.
