Ukrainian forces use drones to deliver four tonnes of food to occupied Oleshky.

Ukrainian forces recently used drones to deliver about four metric tons of food to 100 locations in Russian-occupied Oleshky, continuing a supply effort across the Dnipro River that began in March. Ukrainian officials say Russian forces have shot down aid-carrying drones, confiscated or resold supplies, and detained and abused residents who accepted food. The city remains severely isolated, with shortages of basic services and few safe options for evacuation; accounts differ on the number of people still there, ranging from about 2,000 to more than 6,000 when nearby settlements are included. A volunteer has said food has not reached the city for months, underscoring the uncertainty over how regularly deliveries get through, while Ukrainian officials have urged international partners to press Russia to allow humanitarian access and evacuation corridors.
The operation involved six formations: the 30th Marine Corps, Hrim tactical group, 34th Borysfen Marine Brigade, Bolharychi unit of the 11th National Guard Brigade, 34th National Guard Regiment and 79th Border Guard Detachment.
Volunteer Iryna-Ester Vratarova said the city’s outskirts are mined and that transport and banking services are not operating, adding detail on the practical barriers facing residents and aid efforts.
On September 23, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha raised Oleshky’s blockade at a UN Security Council meeting; Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said Russia had long refused to confirm it would allow a humanitarian evacuation mission.
Governor Oleksandr Prokudin described the deliberate blocking of aid and creation of famine among civilians as war crimes, saying those responsible would face consequences.
Publishers
14
Articles
11
Reach
25