Ukrainian forces deliver 4,000 kilograms of food to Oleshky by drone

In a desperate attempt to alleviate the dire food shortage in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied town in Kherson Oblast, Ukrainian forces recently delivered four tons of supplies to the besieged community via drones, according to regional authorities. The Kherson Oblast Military Administration head announced the operation on September 27, revealing that drones had successfully distributed food to 100 locations throughout the town.

This delivery is part of an ongoing effort to provide food aid to Oleshky residents since March 2026, as confirmed by the governor of Kherson Oblast, Oleksandr Prokudin.

Residents of Oleshky have reported the town's critical shortage of food, with only a few individuals managing to evacuate. A local resident who fled Oleshky in April corroborated the drone deliveries, stating that they had previously dropped food packages containing medical supplies and food to several locations in the city. However, Prokudin warned that Russian forces have attempted to disrupt the deliveries, including by shooting down the drones carrying food.

He also accused Russian forces of confiscating humanitarian supplies, detaining residents who receive aid, and subjecting them to brutal violence.

Prokudin's claims are supported by eyewitness accounts from residents who have witnessed Russian forces violently detaining individuals for accepting humanitarian aid and beating those who confront the occupiers. The last successful food delivery to Oleshky by vehicles was on May 26, while previous attempts on June 2 and September 1 were thwarted by Russian drone attacks that resulted in casualties.

Oleshky, located on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, has been under Russian occupation since February 2022, with its population dwindling from around 24,000 to approximately 2,000 since spring 2026.

Despite the ongoing Russian occupation, the Ukrainian military retains control over the western bank of the Dnipro River. Russian troops strategically position themselves in the occupied town and nearby villages to launch attacks across the river, including on the liberated city of Kherson. Russian forces place weapons, mortars, and mines near residential neighborhoods to shield their positions from Ukrainian strikes. As a result, the town's population and the risk of evacuation have significantly diminished.