Russian troops turned Oleshky into a sealed pocket.
2,000 civilians remain trapped in occupied city. No safe exit routes after Russian troops mined roads.
At least 47 children are still inside, with no regular food or water supplies. People die of hunger, Kyiv Independent. 1/
“If the situation doesn’t improve, people will just die there from hunger. There’s no way out, no food coming in,” a resident who escaped says.
Out of 24,000 pre-war population, only about 2,000 remain, mostly elderly, ill, or alone. 2/
Russian forces placed mortars, guns, and mines inside residential areas.
Civilians live among military positions, which also shield Russian troops from Ukrainian strikes, forcing residents to remain inside active combat zones. 3/
Locals call one route the “road of death.”
In February, 6 cars bringing food were destroyed by mines or drones. A volunteer driver and 2 evacuees were killed trying to leave. Movement in or out has nearly stopped. 4/
“Many people were completely exhausted and starving… they would arrive at hospital and drop dead,” a resident says.
No electricity, water, or gas. Stores closed. People survived winter burning firewood and eating remaining canned food. 5/
Aid depends on Russian passports.
Residents must travel to other cities to apply, wait months, and many lost documents after the 2023 flood caused by the Kakhovka dam destruction. Only 4-5 deliveries reached the city in Mar. 6/
“People are counting every sip of water to survive one more day. This is deliberate terrorism,” Ukraine’s ombudsman says.
Evacuation limited to small groups at their own risk. Some walk 23 km to escape. Hundreds still waiting. 7X
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