According to a recent report by the United Nations monitoring mission, short-range aerial drones have emerged as the most common cause of civilian fatalities in Ukraine as of January 2025. The mission documented that at least 139 civilians were killed and 738 injured during that month, with 27% of the deaths and 30% of the injuries attributed to these drones. 

Since the conflict's escalation in February 2022, nearly 12,500 civilians, including 650 children, have lost their lives, though the UN acknowledges that these figures are likely underestimated due to verification challenges. 

Initially considered auxiliary tools, aerial drones have become pivotal on the battlefield. In 2024 alone, both Ukraine and Russia produced over a million drones each. Despite being equipped with on-board cameras capable of distinguishing between civilian and military targets, the misuse of these drones has led to significant civilian casualties. Danielle Bell, head of the UN monitoring mission, emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, "Our data shows a clear and disturbing pattern of short-range drones being used in ways that put civilians at grave risk." 

Russia has consistently denied intentionally targeting civilians. However, since the war began, numerous civilian deaths have been reported. 

This development underscores the escalating role of drone warfare and its profound impact on civilian populations in modern conflicts.