UN deputy chief: drones are changing the nature of warfare

UN Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has wrapped up a visit to Ukraine, spending the final two days in Kherson, which he described as one of the "epicenters" of drone use against civilian areas.

According to Fletcher, drones have become part of everyday life for local residents, much as in other crisis regions where the UN operates, including Somalia, Sudan, Gaza and Lebanon.

Traveling the 'road of death'

Part of Fletcher's route ran along the so-called "road of death" between Mykolaiv and Kherson. He said some sections of this road are shielded from drones by special netting. Despite having spent time in many dangerous places, Fletcher said nowhere else had conversations about drones taken up such a significant place.

During his trip, Fletcher met with victims, including people who suffered severe injuries and lost limbs in drone attacks. He noted that the most disturbing aspect is that a drone operator knows exactly what they are doing: the drone circles and closely observes a person before striking to kill or maim them for life.

A shift in the nature of war

Fletcher stressed that armed drones are changing the nature of warfare globally. He said inexpensive armed drones — used from Sudan and Colombia to the Gaza Strip and Lebanon — are expanding the geography of conflicts by enabling killing from long distances.

He called on states to uphold international law and said companies that manufacture and supply such weapons must understand the norms of international humanitarian law, be aware of how their products are used, and recognize their obligations and responsibilities. Otherwise, he warned, the number of casualties from these weapons will continue to rise.