Russia blocks civilian evacuation from occupied Oleshky, rejects Ukraine's proposals

October 3, 2026 at 09:05 AM2 min

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Russia has blocked the humanitarian evacuation of civilians from occupied Oleshky in Kherson region, despite Ukraine's readiness to ensure safe routes and a ceasefire. Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets said Kyiv proposed involving the International Committee of the Red Cross or another organization acceptable to Russia, but Russia rejected all proposals. About 2,000 people remain in the city, including approximately 50 children.

Key Facts

Ukraine proposed safe routes and a ceasefire to evacuate civilians from Oleshky, but Russia rejected these proposals.
The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed its readiness to facilitate the evacuation and is awaiting an agreement between the parties.
About 2,000 people remain in occupied Oleshky, including approximately 50 children, according to Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration.
Before the full-scale invasion, about 24,000 people lived in Oleshky.
In September, Ukrainian troops used heavy drones to deliver approximately 4 tons of food and medical aid to the occupied territory.

Evacuation Blocked

Russia has blocked the humanitarian evacuation of civilians from the temporarily occupied city of Oleshky in Kherson region, despite Ukraine's readiness to ensure safe routes and a ceasefire. Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets stated that the Ukrainian side is ready to begin the evacuation at any moment. Kyiv proposed involving the International Committee of the Red Cross or another organization acceptable to Russia as a third party. Lubinets said that at some point the process was simply stopped by the Russian side, and Russia's response to all of Ukraine's proposals is 'no'.

Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian situation in Oleshky remains critical, with the city lacking adequate electricity, gas, and water supplies. There are acute shortages of food, fuel, and medicine in the occupied city. The Guardian reported on the 'hell on earth' in occupied Oleshky, where food is running out. Oleshky has become a deadly trap, and people are leaving the city through minefields.