Europe Asia News

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for urgent international intervention, saying civilians in the city of Oleshky are struggling to survive under extremely difficult conditions.

Sybiha stated that the only road leading out of the city has been mined and is monitored by attack drones, while the nearby river is also mined, putting civilians attempting to escape at risk of death. He said the hospital had run out of medicines and alleged that numerous bodies remained in streets and homes, with Russian forces refusing to allow their burial.

Sybiha said civilians were trying to survive on vegetables left in gardens, canned food and snails. He also relayed accounts alleging that Russian soldiers had threatened some residents at gunpoint to seize their food.

Noting that Ukraine has repeatedly called for safe evacuations and international humanitarian access, Sybiha urged the UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other partners to take action to establish safe evacuation corridors and deliver urgent humanitarian assistance.

Sybiha also thanked Pope Leo XIV for calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach Oleshky. He emphasized that civilians need more than statements of concern; they need concrete action and a safe route out.