Ukraine, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is exploring the possibility of organizing the safe evacuation of civilians from Oleshki, temporarily occupied by the aggressor country of the Russian Federation, and other settlements in this part of the Kherson region. Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmitry Lubinets announced this on Facebook on May 7.
According to him, the situation in Oleshki, as well as in Gola Pristan, Staraya Zburevka and Novaya Zburevka, remains critical due to the destruction of civilian infrastructure and lack of access to water, food, medical care and security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also reported this. According to the department, there is no electricity or gas supply, and settlements are on the brink of survival.
Lubinets noted that Russian occupation forces are blocking the exit of the population and preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid. According to him, the population in Oleshki has decreased significantly – from about 24 thousand to approximately 2 thousand people. In total, more than 6 thousand people in need of help may remain in the region, including approximately 200 children, most of whom have limited mobility.
The Ombudsman said that he contacted the ICRC, which confirmed its readiness to assist in organizing the safe departure of civilians.
“I received a response from the ICRC about its readiness to facilitate the adoption of the necessary measures to organize the departure of Ukrainian citizens from this territory. Work is now continuing with all interested parties to develop safe evacuation routes. After agreeing on decisions, concrete steps will be taken for the departure of civilians who need it,” Lubinets wrote.
After agreeing on all technical and security-related solutions, specific evacuation measures can be organized to the territory controlled by the Ukrainian government, he added.
