Russia has escalated its military operations in Kherson, launching a new campaign to assert control over the region by employing drones to threaten key access roads. They are increasing their fire to cut Kherson in half. Their campaign centers around a key bridge that connects the city to its suburban communities. Civilian casualties are the worst they have ever been in these types of strikes. Local hospitals are overrun and unable to tend—physically or logistically—to the unprecedented influx of injury victims and trauma care resulting from these assaults.
On Wednesday morning, Kherson’s central hospital was happy to receive three new patients. All of these people had experienced trauma from drone attacks or aerial bombardment. By the afternoon, two more patients were received, a painful reminder of the ongoing risk that Russian troops continue to present. Oleh, a 62 year-old man, is one of those injured. He incurred life-threatening injuries when he ran outside to assist after a drone attack ignited his neighbor’s house. He is now unable to walk and faces a prolonged hospital stay, joined by many others who live alone and cannot be quickly discharged.
For Kherson’s residents, it is a matter of life and death. On a single street in Korabel, 1,800 civilians are still suffering through the chaos. The level of chaos erupted on a large scale this past weekend. A coordinated set of airstrikes destroyed the only bridge connecting Korabel to the city’s more populous districts and to the city of Kherson itself. This infrastructure devastation further cuts off communities, often in low-income and marginalized communities, making it harder to get life-saving emergency service and health care.
Nadiya, a civilian recently evacuated from Kherson in a military armored van, cried at the violence still being dealt to civilians that had once called Ukraine home. She despaired at the unrelenting fire, asking how long the torture and misery would continue.
“They are hitting so hard since the morning. When is all of this going to be over? We already went crazy from all of this. When will they ever come to their senses? Causing such horror, killing everyone for the ‘peace’?” – Nadiya
Yaroslav Shanko, head of Kherson’s city military administration, said Russian forces are “not even trying to save civilians.” He stated that they “absolutely do not care what the targets are,” underscoring the reckless nature of their military strategy.
“Talking about any humanity from the Russians is absolutely pointless. Strikes on the community and the city are constant.” – Yaroslav Shanko
Residents of Kherson have expressed similar feelings over their worsening plight. Yet even as the world was descending into chaos, one other patient, Nina, found and articulated that sense of hopelessness.
“There is no plan, I will live where they put me. I am on one leg. I am so tired of this shooting that my nerves can’t take it anymore.” – Nina
The daily pattern of constant drone strikes and artillery shelling left many civilians in Kherson vulnerable and traumatized. The psychological impact of living under these brutal realities is just beginning to be understood as families contend with the day-to-day fear and reality of loss. The continuous cycle of violence has poured salt on deep wounds and upset the fabric of security and stability in a place known for it.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to hold onto Kherson city and the rest of the oblast. The humanitarian crisis that has developed in the region deserves a thorough and honest consideration and action. Civilians continue to incur daily harm from vicious, indiscriminate assaults. Global watchdogs are calling for justice and cessation of hostilities.
