The Aporia
The Aporia
The Straits Times. (2026, October 17). Ukrainian foreign minister says Russian-held town is a 'death trap' with starving residents. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/ukrainian-foreign-minister-says-russian-held-town-is-a-death-trap-with-starving-residents
The Straits Times. “Ukrainian foreign minister says Russian-held town is a 'death trap' with starving residents.” The Straits Times, 17 Oct. 2026, https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/ukrainian-foreign-minister-says-russian-held-town-is-a-death-trap-with-starving-residents.
The Straits Times. “Ukrainian foreign minister says Russian-held town is a 'death trap' with starving residents.” The Straits Times, October 17, 2026. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/ukrainian-foreign-minister-says-russian-held-town-is-a-death-trap-with-starving-residents.
Dated from the outlet's own feed. Check the original for its byline.
As of October 17, 2026, the Ukrainian town of Oleshky, located on the east side of the Dnipro River in Kherson region, is facing severe humanitarian crises due to Russian occupation. With less than 2,000 residents remaining, essential supplies like food and medical aid are scarce, leading to starvation and death. The city lacks electricity, heating, and running water, while roads out are heavily mined. Ukrainian Lieutenant Voronetskyi reported that drones have been delivering about 7 tons of aid since September but admitted shortages were worsening.
The 40-year-old former hairdresser described her perilous journey walking 20 kilometers (12 miles) along a mine-laden route, fearing for her life at every step. The town, which was home to approximately 24,000 people before the Russian invasion in 2022, has been severely damaged and saw further devastation when the Kakhovka Dam collapsed in June 2023.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged international organizations such as the UN and Red Cross to intervene, calling Oleshky a "death trap" with dozens of unburied bodies lying in streets or homes due to Russian prohibitions on burial. He emphasized that families survive on leftover vegetables, preserves, and even snails. Despite Russia acknowledging supply issues, Ukrainian officials have called for safe evacuation routes multiple times without success.
