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As of September 26, the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner, Michael O'Flaherty, expressed alarm over the worsening situation in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky. The town has been facing severe shortages of food, clean water, and basic utilities, with many residents struggling to survive the harsh winter conditions.

O'Flaherty called for an immediate local ceasefire, unhindered access for humanitarian relief, and the safe evacuation of civilians. He emphasized that under international humanitarian law, Russia, as the occupying power, is responsible for providing essential supplies and facilitating aid.

The humanitarian crisis in Oleshky has reached alarming proportions, with residents enduring prolonged shortages and living conditions deteriorating rapidly. The last successful food delivery to the city was in May 2023, while attempts in June 2023 and September 2023 were disrupted by Russian drone attacks.

Residents have been left with no reliable electricity or running water, and the destruction of the nearby Kakhovka Dam in 2023 has further exacerbated the city's water and utility infrastructure issues. Russian troops have established positions in and around residential neighborhoods, threatening Ukrainian strikes and forcing civilians to remain in hazardous areas.

While Ukraine and the ICRC have prepared a humanitarian evacuation mission for Oleshky, Russia has yet to confirm its readiness to proceed. The town's situation remains dire, with continued Russian occupation and ongoing hostilities making evacuation increasingly risky.