Published on: 2026-08-19
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 19, 2026 International Law
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator and Deputy Secretary-General Tom Fletcher concluded his trip to Ukraine today. Speaking to journalists via video link at the UN headquarters in New York, Fletcher said he had spent the last two days in Kherson and described the city as one of the “epicenters” of drone use against civilian areas.
“I’m afraid it has become one of those places where you begin to truly understand the dystopian reality that may await many of us, but for the people here, as in many other crisis regions where we work – from Somalia and Sudan to Gaza and Lebanon – it is already everyday life,” Fletcher said.
His press conference was timed to coincide with World Humanitarian Day, observed on August 19 – the anniversary of the explosion at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad in 2003. The attack resulted in the deaths of 22 UN staff members, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello.
“This day was born out of tragedy…” said Fletcher. “However, such tragedies continue to happen day after day, and we see that they are increasingly provoked by a frightening combination of technological ingenuity and modern methods of warfare, victimizing civilians and humanitarian workers.”
According to the UN, in April of this year alone, drone attacks killed 80 civilians in Ukraine. In just one week in May, four humanitarian convoys were hit. In Russia, drone strikes also caused civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
The UN emergency aid coordinator revealed that part of his route in Ukraine ran along the so-called “road of death” – from Mykolaiv to Kherson. Some sections of this road – according to Fletcher, “long kilometers” – are protected from drones by a special net.
“I have been to many places – and, you know, I have spent time in quite dangerous areas – but nowhere else have conversations about drones occupied such a significant place,” said the UN Deputy Chief for Humanitarian Affairs.
During his trip to Ukraine, Fletcher, in particular, spoke with victims, including those who suffered severe injuries and lost limbs as a result of drone attacks.
“The scariest thing here is that the operator of this drone definitely knows what he is doing. He is controlling a drone that circles around a fruit and vegetable vendor at the market or a humanitarian mission worker delivering supplies, closely observing them before delivering a strike that will kill or maim them for life,” Fletcher said.
The emergency relief coordinator emphasized that combat drones are changing the nature of warfare worldwide.
“From Sudan and Colombia to the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, inexpensive armed drones are expanding the geography of conflicts, enabling killings over long distances,” Fletcher noted.
He stated the necessity for states to comply with international law. Fletcher also emphasized that companies manufacturing and supplying such weapons must “understand the norms of international humanitarian law, be aware of how their products are used, and understand what their duties and responsibilities entail.”
“Otherwise, the number of victims of this weapon will continue to grow,” said the UN deputy chief.
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