Civilians flee across mined roads in Russia-controlled Oleshky, Ukraine
Residents in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in the Kherson region face food and water shortages ahead of the approaching winter, with some civilians undertaking a dangerous escape by walking across mined roads.
Civilians remaining in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region are battling a severe humanitarian crisis without electricity, water, or heating. Due to severe scarcity and upcoming winter conditions, some city residents are risking mined roads to try and leave the area.
Located along the Dnipro River, which separates Ukrainian forces from Russian occupation forces, Oleshky has experienced shortages of food and medical supplies for months. The town's population has dropped below 2,000 as electricity, heating, and running water are absent. A 40-year-old former hairdresser who managed to escape the area walked 20 kilometers along a partially mined road to reach safety.
Captured by Moscow's forces in 2022, Oleshky suffered heavy damage in the fighting and the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in June 2023. As winter approaches, locals remaining in the city face the risk of hunger and disease, while no official humanitarian evacuation agreement has been reached yet.
The United Nations human rights office reported that the last regular food delivery via road took place on May 26. Tetiana Hasanenko, head of the city's exiled Ukrainian military administration, stated that 100 bodies were found in the basement of the Oleshky hospital.
While Russia and Ukraine blame each other for the ongoing humanitarian crisis, talks aimed at establishing a temporary ceasefire and humanitarian corridor have yet to yield tangible results.