Kyiv warns of humanitarian crisis under Russian occupation in southern Ukraine

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine draws the international community's attention to the severe humanitarian crisis in parts of the temporarily occupied Kherson region as a result of Russian occupying forces’ crimes, which flagrantly violate international humanitarian law,” the May 6 statement said.

“The situation is particularly alarming in Oleshky, Hola Prystan, Stara Zburivka, and Nova Zburivka. In these areas, basic living conditions are entirely non-existent. Russian forces are artificially blocking evacuations and obstructing the delivery of essential goods, food, and medicine.”

Authorities estimate the area population has fallen from about 40,000 to roughly 6,000, and that Oleshky’s population has dropped from about 24,000 to near 2,000.

“Critical infrastructure is destroyed; there is no electricity or gas. Residents attempting to buy food or flee in private vehicles are being targeted by Russian drone attacks,” the ministry added.

The Foreign Ministry said it has received more than 220 direct requests to state agencies for evacuation of residents from the specified towns. The information has been confirmed by the Ukrainian ombudsman’s office, Ukrainian intelligence agencies, and several international organizations, the ministry said.

It also said there are accounts of people who lost relatives in Russian attacks but cannot bury them because of ongoing fighting. Many residents lack access to drinking water, food and essential medicines.

Working with the national coordination headquarters for evacuations and mass displacement response, the Foreign Ministry has opened urgent consultations with the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross on ways to save civilians. It said it is coordinating with relevant ministries to engage international organizations and urged partners to pressure Russia to comply with international humanitarian law and to allow safe evacuation corridors.