Arabic version: مدنيون يكافحون من أجل البقاء في ظروف أوليشكي القاسية

Residents of Oleshky, a frontline city in southern Ukraine, are facing severe shortages of food and medical supplies as they remain trapped due to ongoing conflict. According to BBC News, the situation has deteriorated over the past months, with fresh supplies becoming increasingly rare. Ludmilla, a resident, described the dire conditions, stating, “The road is mined. So, we’re stuck here. People are trying their best to survive.”

The city, which has been under Russian occupation since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion, is cut off by a river and destroyed infrastructure. Reports indicate that the area is heavily mined, making any attempt to leave a perilous gamble known as the “Road of Death.” Despite the risks, some residents have managed to evacuate, although the journey is fraught with dangers, including the presence of unexploded mines.

Volodymyr, another resident who recently left Oleshky, recounted his harrowing experience, stating that the route was littered with burnt-out vehicles. The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has raised alarms about a potential humanitarian crisis, urging for a safe evacuation corridor. He accused Russian authorities of neglecting the safety of both civilians and military personnel in the region.

While some aid has reached Oleshky through volunteers, the high prices and scarcity have forced residents to forage for food. Many, including the elderly, are hesitant to leave their homes, preferring to endure the hardships rather than face an uncertain future. The International Red Cross is in contact with both sides, seeking to understand and address the humanitarian situation in the city.