Blockade And Terror In Oleshky: Ukraine To Raise Russia’s Crimes At UN General Assembly

The situation in Oleshky, a city in the Kherson region of Ukraine, is rapidly deteriorating under the weight of a Russian blockade and widespread terror. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that the humanitarian crisis in occupied Kherson is becoming a critical concern, as only 2,000 people remain in Oleshky, down from around 24,000 before Russia's invasion.

The city is without electricity or gas, and the delivery of essential supplies like food, medicine, and other necessities has been completely halted since the onset of the blockade. People are forced to resort to desperate measures, scavenging for any scraps of food they can find. Russian drones are actively targeting civilians, posing a grave threat to those attempting to leave their homes.

It is crucial that Ukraine's diplomatic efforts at the UN General Assembly in New York highlight Russia's direct responsibility for this catastrophe. The foreign minister emphasized that it is Russia that must bear the burden of the consequences of its actions, such as blocking aid and preventing evacuation. Ukraine's main objective is to rally international pressure to establish a humanitarian corridor, deliver much-needed supplies, and facilitate the evacuation of civilians from the occupied territories.

The international community must act swiftly to secure the demining of these areas and ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian aid to Oleshky, otherwise, it risks being complicit in this ongoing crime perpetrated by Russia.