The Ukrainian city of Oleshky, occupied by Russia in the Kherson region, is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. Since late May 2026, regular deliveries of food and medicine have been halted, leaving thousands of civilians isolated by military blockades, mined roads, and constant attacks.
Residents report Russian soldiers preventing aid from entering and civilians from leaving, with accounts of soldiers telling them to "Go back and die there." The population, previously around 24,000, is now estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000. The last successful food delivery occurred on May 26, 2026.
Ukrainian authorities condemn the situation as a deliberate humanitarian catastrophe and plan to raise the issue at the UN. The Red Cross is ready to facilitate evacuations, but Russian forces are blocking the operation. Residents face critical shortages of food, medicine, clean water, electricity, and gas, with the local hospital operating without basic supplies.
