The United Nations has vocally denounced a recent drone attack by Russian forces on a humanitarian convoy in Bilozerka, Kherson region, asserting that such actions could constitute war crimes. The convoy, which was delivering essential supplies such as hygiene kits, medicines, and shelter materials to the frontline community, came under intense artillery fire on Tuesday. According to UN reports, two trucks bearing the World Food Programme (WFP) insignia were specifically targeted by first-person-view drones and subsequently set ablaze. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or casualties.

In a detailed statement, Matthias Schmale, the UN's Assistant Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, emphasized the gravity of the attack. He highlighted that deliberately targeting humanitarian workers and assets is not only a severe breach of international humanitarian law but may also rise to the level of a war crime. Echoing this sentiment, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, condemned the strike in a social media post, describing it as a "brutal violation of international law" that underscores Russia’s blatant disregard for civilian life and international norms.

The incident raises serious questions about the protection afforded to humanitarian operations under international law. Notably, Article 71(2) of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Convention stipulates that relief personnel must be respected and protected. Moreover, the Rome Statute's Article 8(2)(b)(iii) classifies intentionally directing attacks against humanitarian missions as a war crime.

The UN has also highlighted the broader context of increasing casualties from drone attacks in Ukraine, reporting that nearly 30% of all casualties in September were a result of such strikes, particularly in the Donetsk and Kherson regions. These areas accounted for the majority of the 214 civilians killed and 916 injured during that month. The persistent use of drone strikes, especially those targeting civilian populations, has led to extensive international criticism of Russia's military tactics in the region.

This incident underscores the ongoing peril faced by humanitarian missions in conflict zones and the urgent need for robust international responses to protect these essential operations. The UN continues to monitor the situation closely and calls for all member states to unequivocally condemn the attack and reinforce their commitment to upholding international humanitarian law.