Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on international partners and relevant organisations to work together to ensure immediate humanitarian access to Russian-occupied Oleshky and surrounding areas, and to establish humanitarian corridors.
He wrote about this on the social network X.
"Russia has left civilians there without access to food, medicines and basic necessities. In the centre of Europe, in 2026, people are suffering from a humanitarian crisis caused by Russia," Sybiha stressed.
He noted that Ukraine is working with all partners and relevant international organisations, calling for joint efforts to ensure immediate access to Oleshky and surrounding areas, as well as to establish humanitarian corridors.
Sybiha stressed that the situation in Oleshky is a reminder of the reality for those who talk about leaving Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation.
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"These are not just lines on a map at the negotiating table. Real people live there, and their everyday lives are shaped by the occupation authorities, which have already shown how they treat Ukrainians under their control," the foreign minister said.
He added that the situation in Oleshky is a warning against normalising occupation.
"Any serious discussion of peace must take into account the people whose lives and fundamental rights are under threat," the minister stressed.
- Oleshky has remained under Russian occupation since February 2022.
- As of September 2026, the city is under a complete humanitarian blockade: there is no electricity, gas or water, supplies of food are almost non-existent, roads are mined, and it is impossible to leave or enter.
- About 1,700 residents remain in the city, including children.