Ukrainian Churches Plea for Aid Amidst Oleshky Humanitarian Crisis

Oleshky in Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast is facing severe humanitarian challenges amidst the ongoing conflict, prompting the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) to seek international intervention. The appeal has been directed towards the Pope, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), and the World Council of Churches (WCC), highlighting a dire situation for civilians trapped in the region.

Currently under the control of Russian forces, Oleshky has been a contentious area with both Russia and Ukraine claiming sovereignty over the Kherson Oblast. The town has been cut off from essential supplies, with the last known food delivery back in May, leaving thousands at risk of starvation.

The UCCRO has raised concerns about the blockade, accusing Russian forces of preventing the evacuation of civilians from the area despite the critical shortage of necessities. In a statement, they described the dire living conditions: “These are civilians who face the daily threat of shelling and drone attacks and are deprived of food, drinking water, medicines, and other essential assistance. The city’s critical infrastructure has been virtually destroyed, and electricity and gas supplies are unavailable.”

Both Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Oleshky. According to UCCRO, Russia is using the situation for propaganda, “spreading blatant manipulation and falsehoods.” They further accused Russia of violating international humanitarian law by subjecting Oleshky’s residents to suffering and starvation.

Responding to these claims, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Russian government, labeled the conditions as “critical” but attributed the problems to Ukrainian drone attacks disrupting supply deliveries.

The call for action from UCCRO has gained support from the WCC. Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, the moderator of the WCC central committee, criticized Russia’s actions, stating there was “no justification” for blocking aid and preventing evacuations. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “Reports by Ukraine officials, human rights organizations, and international media confirm that since the end of May 2026 no food supplies were delivered to the area anymore.” He further stressed the need for immediate access to necessities for all residents, particularly children and the elderly.

Bishop Bedford-Strohm concluded by calling for an end to the violence, hoping for a change of heart among those responsible, as he remarked, “Oleshky stands for many more daily victims of this war. We pray for the end of the violence and for a change of heart of those who are responsible for it.”