Russian forces are reportedly dropping booby-trapped wet wipe packs and power banks via drones in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, according to charity group Hope For Ukraine. The organization accused the Kremlin of deliberately targeting innocent residents and children with the explosive-filled everyday items scattered across the city over recent days. Yuriy Boyechko, CEO of Hope For Ukraine, stated the tactic marks an escalation from earlier use of anti-personnel mines, with explosives now heavily disguised inside mundane household goods. The alleged strategy emerged around mid-June, with a power bank containing explosives discovered on a street three days ago according to city officials. Kherson, strategically vital due to its location near the Dnipro River and Crimea, was captured by Russia in March 2022 before being liberated by Ukrainian forces later that year.
Hope For Ukraine Reports Tactical Evolution from Petal Mines
Yuriy Boyechko told the Daily Mail the alleged tactic represents an evolution in Russian operations, shifting to hidden devices because local residents had learned to spot and avoid uncamouflaged mines. "In Kherson, we are seeing the development of terror against civilians. In springtime Russians would drop petal mines, we call them gingerbread mines," Boyechko said. "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." He added that the makeshift bombs are now being ferried into the city and dropped via drones. "Then three days ago we received an alert from city officials that they had discovered a power bank on the side of the street with explosives inside," Boyechko stated. The charity CEO described the strategy as "psychological warfare," saying: "Russia is not winning the battle on the battlefield against the Ukrainian army so they are using Kherson as a testing ground in their fight against civilians. These tactics have never been used in history before."
Kherson Officials Issue Public Safety Warnings
Yaroslav Shanko, Head of Kherson City Military Administration, issued urgent safety warnings to the public. "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," Shanko said. He urged parents to talk to their children, stating: "Explain to them that you cannot pick up any items found on the street, even if they look safe or useful." Boyechko noted the impact on residents: "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's Strategic Significance and Recent Strikes
Kherson's strategic importance stems from its location near the Dnipro River and Crimea. Russian forces captured the city in March 2022 before Ukrainian counter-offensive operations liberated it later that year. While Russian troops have bombarded Kherson with anti-personnel mines for nearly two years, this marks the first time explosives are said to have been heavily disguised inside mundane household goods, according to Hope For Ukraine. The discoveries come alongside heavy Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia, which killed at least three people, injured 15 and battered critical infrastructure.
FAQ
What did Russian forces allegedly drop in Kherson according to Hope For Ukraine?
According to charity group Hope For Ukraine, Russian forces are reportedly dropping booby-trapped wet wipe packs and power banks via drones in Kherson. The organization stated these explosive-filled everyday items have been scattered across the city over recent days, with a power bank containing explosives discovered on a street three days ago according to city officials.
When did Kherson come under Russian control and when was it liberated?
Russian forces captured Kherson in March 2022. Ukrainian counter-offensive operations later liberated the city that same year. The city remains strategically vital due to its location near the Dnipro River and Crimea.
