MEPs Demand Action as Civilians Starve in Russian-Occupied Oleshky

In a stark reminder of the human cost of war, Members of the European Parliament have raised the alarm over the dire situation in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky, where around 2,000 civilians face what one MEP described as “absolute hell.”

The town, situated on the Dnipro River and caught between Russian and Ukrainian forces, has become a symbol of the brutality of occupation. Ukrainian authorities accuse Russia of blockading the area, cutting off food and medicine, and leaving residents to fend for themselves in conditions that have drawn international condemnation.

What is happening in Oleshky?

Reports from the town paint a grim picture. The last grocery store has closed, overland food deliveries have ceased, and residents are left without gas, running water, or reliable power. Some, in sheer desperation, have resorted to eating grass or tree bark, according to Swedish MEP Hanna Gedin, who spoke on behalf of The Left group in the European Parliament.

“Some, in sheer desperation, have reportedly resorted to eating grass or tree bark. It is absolute hell,” Gedin said.

Polish MEP Andrzej Halicki, representing the EPP group, said he had been receiving text messages about the situation for some time. “They are dying; they are being condemned to death by starvation,” he told the plenary session in Strasbourg, calling on the EU to demand an “unconditional evacuation” of civilians.

EU lawmakers push for stronger action

Dutch MEP Thijs Reuten, speaking for the Socialists and Democrats, argued that “drip feeding support has only raised the cost, human and financial.” He urged the EU to do more, including providing a “sky shield” against missiles and drones, and fully funding the UN-Ukraine Winter Response Plan, which requires $358 million.

Reuten described the Russian tactics as “hunger as a weapon,” noting that drones “hunt anything that moves: ambulances, buses, aid convoys.” Shelling and drone strikes are near-daily occurrences, and bodies can lie in the streets for months because it is too dangerous to retrieve them.

Russia’s response and Ukraine’s efforts

In September, the Kremlin acknowledged critical problems with food and medicine supplies in Oleshky but insisted its military was working to resolve them. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military has attempted to deliver aid by drone, recently dropping around four tons of food and medical supplies to 100 locations in a single operation. But such efforts carry enormous risk.

Kherson Regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin has accused Russian forces of shooting down aid drones, confiscating or reselling supplies, and detaining or assaulting residents who receive help, labeling them as “cooperating with Ukraine.”

International community speaks out

European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, responsible for humanitarian aid, called the situation “appalling” and “unacceptable.” She stressed Russia’s obligations under international humanitarian law as an occupying power.

“Civilians are trapped under siege by Russian forces without access to food, medicine, clean water and basic care. Russia, as occupying power, has clear obligations under international humanitarian law: civilians must be protected and humanitarian assistance must be facilitated,” Lahbib said.

The plight of Oleshky is a stark reminder of the ongoing suffering caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine. For those of us watching from afar, it is a call to action, not just for governments, but for all who believe in human dignity. The people of Oleshky are not statistics; they are our neighbours in a shared European home, and they deserve more than words.