Residents of the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region are attempting to escape along mined roads amid severe shortages of food, water and medical care, according to an Associated Press report published on October 17.
According to the agency, the city has virtually no electricity, heating or centralized water supply. Food and medicine are difficult to obtain, while roads outside the city are dangerous because of mines, wrecked vehicles and drones.
One of AP's interviewees, a 40-year-old former hairdresser, said she walked approximately 20 kilometers along a partially mined road to escape the city. She said she feared being killed by an explosion or a drone strike throughout the journey.
Before Russia's full-scale invasion, Oleshky had a population of approximately 24,000. According to estimates cited by AP, fewer than 2,000 residents remain.
Russian forces occupied Oleshky in February 2022. The city has repeatedly come under shelling and suffered extensive destruction. In June 2023, much of the city was flooded following the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam.
According to AP, Ukrainian forces have been attempting to deliver food and other essential supplies to remaining residents using drones. Such deliveries, however, cannot replace regular humanitarian assistance.
Ukrainian authorities accuse Russia of obstructing aid deliveries and evacuations. Russian authorities, in turn, blame Ukraine for the situation.
Amid the humanitarian crisis, Pope Leo XIV appealed to Vladimir Putin to facilitate the delivery of aid to the city.
Despite international appeals, the two sides have yet to agree on a safe evacuation corridor for Oleshky residents.