Ukrainian troops deliver humanitarian aid to occupied Oleshky for the second time

On October 4, Ukrainian National Guard servicemembers, along with troops from various units, delivered humanitarian supplies to the occupied town of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast for the second time, according to the Interior Ministry. The operation utilized drones to transport nearly 4 tons of goods, consisting of food, medicine, and children's kits.

Interior Minister Ivan Vyhivskyi expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the mission, including those providing cover, engineering support, and logistics. Vyhivskyi specifically praised the Perun drone crew for not only delivering food but also rescuing six animals from the occupied territory. Approximately 400 parcels were distributed during the operation.

In September, the German newspaper Bild reported that Oleshky was under a humanitarian blockade, with residents relying on their own gardens for sustenance as the summer ended and the threat of starvation loomed. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets stated that Russia had not confirmed its readiness to evacuate civilians from Oleshky, despite prior agreements and mission procedures.

The city military administration reported that the last shipment of food into the occupied town occurred on May 26. Residents have resorted to consuming dogs in some instances. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha proposed bringing the situation in Oleshky and other occupied Kherson Oblast communities to the United Nations General Assembly on September 20, urging international organizations to mobilize resources for aid delivery.

Kherson Oblast Military Administration head Oleksandr Prokudin confirmed that Ukrainian troops had also recently used drones to deliver 4,000 kilograms of food to various locations within the occupied town on September 26.