EU Statement on the humanitarian situation in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation, OSCE Permanent Council No. 1579 - Vienna, 1 October 2026

1. The European Union remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Thousands of civilians remain trapped in these areas, facing severe risks to their safety and well-being, food shortage, and lack of medical assistance, according to reports by ODIHR and UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. 

2. The situation in Oleshky, in the temporarily occupied Kherson region, is particularly alarming. Ukrainian authorities estimate that up to 6,000 civilians, including more than 180 children, remain in the communities near the frontline in occupied parts of Kherson region, including Oleshky. According to UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, civilians in Oleshky and neighbouring communities face acute shortages of food and medical assistance. Frequent drone attacks and the presence of landmines have impeded evacuations and access to basic necessities. ODIHR also collected testimonies describing prolonged periods without electricity, running water, heating, food and medical care, as well as accounts that Russian forces had prevented residents from leaving Oleshky.

3. The EU calls on Russia to fully comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including by ensuring the protection of civilians, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and the provision of essential food and medical assistance to affected populations.

Albania, Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.