Russia accused of war crimes over 'booby-trapped' power banks

Russia has been accused of escalating its campaign against Ukrainian civilians after explosives disguised as power banks and tissue boxes were reportedly found on the streets of Kherson. Human rights campaigners say the devices are designed to deceive unsuspecting adults and children, raising fresh allegations of war crimes as the conflict enters another brutal phase.

Deadly Decoys Raise Alarm

The disguised explosives have been discovered across the frontline city in recent days, with officials warning residents not to touch abandoned items. Charity Hope for Ukraine believes the devices are being dropped by drones into civilian areas, where they resemble everyday objects before detonating when handled.

Chief executive Yuriy Boyechko said the tactic represents a direct attack on civilians. He warned that a child or passer-by could mistake the items for harmless belongings, triggering an explosion with devastating consequences.

A New Twist on an Old Threat

Russian forces have been accused of scattering anti-personnel mines across Kherson for almost two years. Campaigners say civilians had learned to recognise the earlier devices, prompting a shift towards explosives hidden inside ordinary household items.

The Centre for Information Resilience said small anti-personnel mines have appeared in the city since October 2024, with some earning the nickname "gingerbread" mines because of their appearance. Officials now fear the latest disguises make the threat even harder to detect.

Warnings as Fear Spreads

Kherson's military administration has urged residents, particularly parents, to warn children never to pick up objects found in streets or parks. Officials say the apparent aim is to exploit normal human behaviour by turning everyday items into potential weapons.

Hope for Ukraine has also reported claims that explosive-filled power banks have been sold to Ukrainian military units through compromised suppliers, although those reports have not been independently verified.

Growing Calls for Accountability

Human rights organisations and British politicians have condemned the alleged tactic, arguing that deliberately disguising explosives in civilian objects could breach international humanitarian law. Amnesty International said attacks intentionally directed at civilians, or designed to deceive them into handling explosives, could amount to war crimes.

The allegations come as campaigners also report new drone tactics in Kherson, with operators allegedly landing drones beside roads before launching attacks on passing vehicles from beneath anti-drone netting. Russia has not publicly responded to the claims, and its embassy in London has been approached for comment.

Russia accused of war crimes over bombs disguised as power banks and wet wipes