Blockade and humanitarian disaster: 2,000 people and at least 35 children remain in occupied Oleshky

The city of Oleshky in the Kherson region, temporarily seized and blockaded by Russian forces, is on the brink of a major humanitarian disaster. As of October 2026, approximately 2,000 civilians, including at least 35 children, remain in the city.

According to Tetiana Hasanenko, Head of the Oleshky City Military Administration, the Ukrainian side has managed to carry out several targeted operations to deliver humanitarian aid via drones, transporting a total of over 10 tons of food and medical supplies. However, this only temporarily alleviates the severity of the crisis.

Drones can carry only a limited amount of food. This does not solve the problem for a family of ten, for instance. Many residents have only enough food for two days, assuming they eat just once a day. Winter is approaching, yet the city lacks electricity, gas, drinking water, medical care, and firewood for heating, as the surrounding area is heavily mined.

In total, 162 children remain in the settlements of the Oleshky community; some were born during the occupation.

Attempts to establish an official evacuation corridor involving international organizations have so far been unsuccessful due to Russia’s refusal to provide security guarantees. As a result, people fleeing unbearable conditions and the arbitrary actions of Russian troops are forced to risk their lives and make their way to Ukrainian-controlled territory on their own, crossing through minefields.