In the city of Oleshky, located in Ukraine’s Kherson region, residents are grappling with severe shortages of food and water as humanitarian efforts face significant obstacles. Ukrainian authorities are seeking to establish a humanitarian corridor for the evacuation of civilians, but Russian military forces are reportedly using the local population as human shields, complicating the situation further.
Currently, a few thousand individuals remain in Oleshky, a stark decline from the pre-war population of approximately 24,000. Many are unable to leave due to the presence of landmines and the destruction of critical infrastructure, including the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Antonivskyi Bridge, which have left the area isolated.
The lack of basic necessities has led to dire conditions. According to reports, there is no electricity, heating, or reliable access to clean water. Ksenia Archipova, a former resident now aiding evacuation efforts, noted that the local hospital is operating on generators with dwindling fuel supplies, making complex medical procedures increasingly impossible.
Another evacuee described the desperate situation, stating that residents are struggling to find medications and food. When supplies do arrive, long lines form as people attempt to purchase what little is available, often with limited financial resources.
Tetiana Khasanenko, head of the Oleshky military administration, indicated that food supplies have been critically low since mid-January, with a significant hunger crisis emerging by March. A truck delivered supplies on May 4, but no further deliveries have occurred since.
Efforts to facilitate evacuation corridors involve both Ukrainian agencies and international organizations. Khasanenko emphasized that the establishment of these corridors is contingent on cooperation from Russia, which continues to leverage the civilian population as a protective barrier. She stated, “We are dealing with Russian war criminals. A humanitarian corridor would only be feasible under the supervision of international missions such as the United Nations or the Red Cross.”
Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets has characterized the situation as a humanitarian disaster. He mentioned that the Red Cross has expressed readiness to provide buses for evacuation, but Ukraine is awaiting confirmation from Moscow regarding a ceasefire to initiate the process.
Current Situation in Kherson Region
In the broader context, approximately 60,000 individuals remain in the city of Kherson, facing daily risks from Russian artillery and drone attacks. Overall, the region, which had a population of around 500,000 before the full-scale invasion, now has an estimated 150,000 residents.
The humanitarian crisis in Oleshky highlights the severe conditions faced by residents amid ongoing conflict, with efforts for evacuation hindered by military actions. The situation underscores the urgent need for international intervention and support.