Russia imposes total blockade on Oleshky, starving residents since May

Russian occupation forces have imposed a total blockade on Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, since May 26, 2026, preventing humanitarian aid and reportedly causing widespread starvation among residents. Claims of starvation, including deaths and residents resorting to eating dogs and weeds, are partially confirmed by multiple sources, though independent verification remains challenging. Russia has denied Ukrainian evacuation proposals and blames Kyiv for the crisis, indicating a deliberate tactic with potential war crime implications.