Evacuees from Occupied Oleshky Share Accounts of Survival Amidst War and Scarcity
The Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner's Office highlights the severe hardships faced by residents of Oleshky, including drone attacks and food shortages, as they begin recovery in Zakarpattia.
By Vanessa Lopez ·
Residents of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast have endured years of difficult conditions under Russian occupation, facing hunger, limited medical support, and persistent threats to their safety. The Office of the Ukrainian Parliamentary Human Rights Commissioner in Zakarpattia Oblast has shared detailed accounts from evacuees who recently moved to the region. These testimonies reveal a period marked by scarcity and constant anxiety for those who remained in the occupied town.
One survivor recounted a series of drone attacks that resulted in severe leg injuries. In May 2026, Russian forces used drones to hunt for him, leading to a critical moment where he took shelter behind a gate but was still struck. Using only his arms, the man dragged himself to the home of his neighbors. From there, he was transported to a local hospital on a small farm cart, a journey that highlighted the improvised nature of medical evacuation in the area.
The medical facility he reached had been without electricity and adequate supplies for a long time. Despite these constraints, medical staff placed his leg in a plaster cast without conducting a full examination. The Human Rights Commissioner's Office noted that he spent three months at home, but his broken bones failed to heal properly. He subsequently spent another three months in a cast, yet without proper medication or ongoing care, recovery remained elusive.
The man is now safe and undergoing examinations at a medical facility in Zakarpattia. He is preparing for surgery that is expected to restore his ability to walk normally. His journey from the occupied front lines to a specialized care center illustrates the long and complex path to recovery for injured civilians.
Another family, consisting of a woman and her parents, resisted the pressure to obtain Russian-issued passports for five years. Despite threats from occupying forces, they maintained their identity and independence. To survive, the family relied heavily on growing courgettes, which they also used to make flour. This agricultural adaptation became their primary source of sustenance during the occupation.
According to the Human Rights Commissioner's Office, the lack of electricity, gas, and sufficient food supplies made growing their own produce essential. This was the only viable method for the family to stay alive during the years of uncertainty. The daughter of the family is currently staying at a health and rehabilitation facility in Zakarpattia, where she receives three meals a day and the opportunity to recover gradually.
The office described the experience as one of enduring things that are hard to imagine. The years of occupation brought constant fear, drone attacks, and a lack of basic utilities. Most critically, residents faced a lack of access to adequate medical care. Many of these individuals were described as literally fighting for their lives, facing danger entirely on their own without significant external support.
The recent evacuation efforts have also included non-human residents. Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets reported that 105 animals, including dogs, cats, and parrots, were evacuated from Oleshky alongside their owners during the humanitarian mission. This inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of the rescue operations aimed at supporting the community.
These stories serve as a testament to the resilience of the people of Oleshky. As they continue their recovery in Zakarpattia, the focus remains on providing the medical and psychological support needed to address the lasting impacts of the occupation. The accounts shared by the Commissioner's Office aim to bring attention to the specific challenges faced by those in occupied territories.
The transition from life under occupation to a more stable environment in western Ukraine marks a significant step for these evacuees. While the physical and emotional scars of the past few years remain, the access to proper facilities and care offers a path toward healing. The ongoing efforts to document and support these individuals highlight the importance of humanitarian aid in the current conflict.
