Russian Occupation Authorities Under Fire Over Oleshky Starvation Crisis

Residents of Oleshky, a city in southern Ukraine occupied by Russian forces, are struggling to survive due to a severe food and water shortage. The city, which was home to 24,000 people before the invasion, is now estimated to have only 6,000 residents remaining, including 200 children. Despite efforts by the Ukrainian government to deliver supplies, the situation remains dire.

in the city. To survive, she has resorted to cooking garden weeds, which are safe to eat. Her daily diet consists of plain bread, occasionally accompanied by a tomato or honey, and a simple tea.

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The situation in Oleshky is extremely challenging, with residents facing significant obstacles in accessing basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. The city's sole operational hospital, which is open only a few days a week, is struggling to cope with the influx of patients, particularly in cases requiring critical amputations.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has recorded reports of at least 29 civilians killed and 54 injured in Oleshky and Hola Prystan, a nearby city. Local volunteers estimate that the number of dead could be significantly higher, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

The international community is calling on Russia to permit humanitarian aid into Oleshky, with many expressing concern over the dire situation. However, the Kremlin has attributed the crisis to Ukraine's actions.

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The true extent of the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky remains unclear. However, it is evident that the international community must act to provide support.