European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno has agreed to end a hunger strike she began over the humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region. Her decision followed reports of agreements on humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations.
Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets announced the development on October 24.
According to the ombudsman, he spoke with Picierno on the evening of October 23 and asked her to end her hunger strike, which he said had become a serious threat to her life and health.
During the conversation, Lubinets described progress toward a local ceasefire and a humanitarian operation. He said U.S. First Lady Melania Trump had helped facilitate the agreements.
The arrangements include clearing mines from a road into the town, delivering food, drinking water, medicine and hospital equipment, and ensuring safe movement and evacuation for civilians.
Lubinets said Picierno agreed to end her hunger strike. European Pravda subsequently reported that the European Parliament vice-president had confirmed her decision on X and thanked the Ukrainian ombudsman.
Picierno began her hunger strike on October 21 to draw international attention to the plight of people living in Oleshky.
Ukrainian and Russian military representatives had previously announced preparations for a local ceasefire to facilitate a humanitarian operation. However, statements from the parties differed on some details of when it would begin.
Picierno's agreement to end her hunger strike is a new development in a protest action that had already been reported. It does not, by itself, confirm that all humanitarian agreements have been implemented.
At the time of Lubinets' statement, securing safe access to the town, delivering assistance and evacuating civilians remained separate tasks requiring practical action.