Council of Europe warns of critical humanitarian crisis in occupied Oleshky — civilians lack food, medicine and water

Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O'Flaherty expressed serious concern over the rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis in Russian-occupied Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region. Civilians, including children, are trapped without adequate food, medicine, medical care, water supply, or electricity, according to the Council of Europe.

Calls for immediate action

"In accordance with international humanitarian law, Russia, as the occupying power, is obligated to provide the population with food and medicine and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid," O'Flaherty stated. He called for an immediate ceasefire in the area, unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations, and safe evacuation of civilians.

Deepening crisis

The Ukrainian human rights ombudsman had noted earlier in the year that occupied Oleshky was "not living, but surviving." According to the head of the Oleshky city military administration, food supplies to the city have officially not been delivered since May 26. Reports indicate that some families have been forced to eat dogs.