September 27, 2026
Humanitarian crisis deepens in Russian-occupied Oleshky as residents eat weeds to survive
What we know
- Oleshky, a city under Russian occupation in southern Ukraine, is experiencing severe food shortages due to blockades stopping regular supply deliveries.
- Residents have reportedly resorted to eating weeds to survive, and bodies are being hidden in hospital basements amid worsening conditions.
- Evacuation efforts are nearly impossible because of ongoing siege conditions.
- Ukrainian forces have delivered about four tons of food to Oleshky via drone to help address the humanitarian crisis.
- Multiple sources describe the situation as critical, with hunger and isolation worsening daily.
Live updates
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Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Russian-Occupied Oleshky Amid Blockade
Residents of Oleshky, a city under Russian occupation in southern Ukraine, are facing severe food shortages as blockades have halted all regular supply deliveries. Reports confirm that some locals have resorted to eating weeds to survive, while others hide bodies in hospital basements amid deteriorating conditions. Evacuation efforts remain nearly impossible due to ongoing siege conditions.
In response, Ukrainian forces have delivered approximately four tons of food to the city via drone, according to regional authorities, aiming to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation. Multiple sources describe the situation in Oleshky as critical, with hunger and isolation intensifying daily.
Why it matters
The blockade in Oleshky has caused severe food shortages, forcing residents to eat weeds and hide bodies, highlighting a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Ongoing siege conditions have made evacuation nearly impossible, trapping civilians in worsening circumstances.
Ukrainian forces have used drones to deliver food, demonstrating innovative attempts to provide relief despite the blockade.