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Ukrainian City Starving as Russia Blocks Escape Routes
2,000 Ukrainians face starvation in Oleshky after Russian mines block all exits.
In brief
2,000 Ukrainians face starvation in Oleshky after Russian mines block all exits. 2,000 Ukrainians in Oleshky face starvation as Russian mines block all escape routes. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Ukrainian City Cut Off
Thousands of Ukrainians are starving to death in a frontline city which has been cut off by Vladimir Putin.
2,000 Trapped Inside
All roads leading away from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in southern Ukraine have been littered with mines by Russian soldiers, trapping 2,001 people inside.
Starvation Threatens
Constant Russian drone attacks and artillery shelling have made it impossible to deliver essential food and medicine supplies, mortally endangering the remaining population which includes around 50 children.
Death Road Escape
Residents are attempting to flee via the 'Death Road' to the southern city of Skadovsk, but the 62-mile route is life-threatening with mines and drone targets.
Human Rights Ombudsman
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, said on September 16 that residents are desperate to escape 'from this hell'.
No Burials
Those who die are no longer buried, because even the mortuary has been bombed, with bodies lying in cellars or on streets where dogs gnaw at them.
Pre-War Population
The city in the Kherson Oblast used to have a prewar population of about 24,000.
Failed Evacuations
This spring, volunteers were still able to evacuate civilians despite risks, but now even evacuation efforts are too dangerous, leaving civilians trapped.
Oleshky's Situation
The Russian military uses towns on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River to launch attacks, including on Kherson which Ukraine liberated in November 2022.
Food Shortages
By September 16, there were no meat, flour, oil, butter, ready-made bread, or other basic products in Oleshky, with last food delivery on May 26.
Hospital Crisis
The local hospital is deprived of basic medical supplies, electricity, and running water, with only four elderly doctors continuing to operate.
Kakhovka Dam Impact
Since Russia destroyed the nearby Kakhovka Dam in 2023, the hospital has depended on generators for electricity, but fuel supplies are increasingly difficult.
Evacuation Attempts
On June 2, Russian drones attacked food delivery vehicles, killing two drivers and injuring others; on September 1, five vehicles were attacked.
Fleeing to Radensk
Residents are fleeing to the neighboring village of Radensk alone or in pairs, walking five to six hours under drone threats.
Winter Survival
Civilians are increasingly worried about surviving winter without food, medicine, electricity, or reliable transport.
Human Rights Estimate
On September 16, Ukraine's human rights ombudsman estimated around 6,000 people may remain in Oleshky and surrounding areas, including about 200 children.
The essence
2,000 Ukrainians in Oleshky face starvation as Russian mines block all escape routes.
