Kherson official: Russia using more advanced drones in new wave of attacks

This was reported by Oksana Pohomiy, a member of the Kherson City Council, during a broadcast on Espreso TV.

“I spoke with the military to understand what had changed — because while we’re used to frequent drone activity, six strikes in one small part of the city within half an hour was unexpected,” she said. “We were there at the time. Our volunteer center is in that area, where we weave camouflage nets. It was very loud, and the drones flew right by us. Ten civilians were injured.”

Pohomiy praised the rapid response of the military: “Within three minutes of the first strike, they were already on site. They had anti-drone rifles and other equipment and were fully prepared. Until 5 p.m., they patrolled the city, shooting down drones, helping repair power lines, evacuate people, and support emergency services. When the military works alongside civilian responders like this, we feel safer. We’re more afraid of FPV drones than artillery, but with this kind of protection, we feel secure.”

Oksana Pohomiy noted that, according to the military, Russia has changed its drone attack tactics and is now using more advanced UAVs.

“The military told me this is a new tactic,” she said. “Previously, if FPV drones lost contact with the operator, they would just crash. Now, the Russian operators raise the drone to regain signal and continue searching for a target. That suggests the drones are of higher quality and more capable.”

She also mentioned recent attacks on infrastructure: “Two gas stations were hit on Saturday and Sunday. They’re starting to reopen, but it’s still very dangerous to work there. It’s not easy, but if we don’t stay and resist, if we all leave, it means we’ve surrendered. That’s our belief — and I think it’s the right one.”

• On July 6, Russian forces attacked Kherson and nearby areas three times. One person was killed and four were injured.