Before Russia's full-scale invasion started, the Ukrainian town of Oleshky was inhabited by around 24,000 people. Located about 4 kilometers from Kherson, it was illegally seized by Russian forces in February 2022, and it has remained under occupation ever since. In June 2023 Oleshky suffered severe flooding when the invaders blew up the Nova Kakhovka dam, causing an ecocide while trying to prevent Ukrainian forces from retaking Dnieper's left bank.
Now, close to 2,000 people remain trapped in the Oleshky, including 50 children. According to "Bild", the roads leading in and out of the town are mined, and Russian drones constantly operate overhead, further hindering residents' attempts to leave - and making it impossible to provide humanitarian aid so far.
"People in occupied Oleshky are starving; they will not survive on statements of concern alone" - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on Saturday, making yet another dramatic appeal to save the town's residents and calling on the international community for urgent action.
Sybiha held Russia fully responsible for causing and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis which unfolded over the past months. He also added that the UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other international bodies should exercise their mandates to secure humanitarian access to the town.
"They (the people of Oleshky) have almost nothing left. According to available information, the civilian population is forced to fight for survival, eating grass and weeds, while access to medicines, clean water, electricity, and medical care has become virtually non-existent. This affects children as well" - the Ukrainian FM's statement continued.
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty has joined the plea and called for an immediate local ceasefire, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and the safe evacuation of civilians.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that the situation in Oleshky is critical. At the same time, however, he falsely accused Ukraine of preventing the delivery of aid.
The Ukrainian side has reported that it is seeking to organize an evacuation, but Russia's stance remains an obstacle. According to media reports, the last food delivery reached Oleshky on May 26, 2026.
(mm)
Source: PAP