Civilians remaining in the Russian-occupied Khersonska region of southern Ukraine face a severe humanitarian crisis, characterized by a lack of basic services, restricted movement, and the constant threat of landmines and ongoing hostilities. According to a report released by Human Rights Watch on July 9, 2026, residents in front-line areas like Oleshky, Hola Prystan, and Stara Zburivka have no organized or safe path to evacuate, leaving vulnerable populations—including older people and children—trapped in a conflict zone.
Humanitarian Conditions in Oleshky
The city of Oleshky, occupied by Russian forces since February 2022, has seen its population plummet from approximately 24,000 to an estimated 2,000 residents. Those who remain endure a near-total collapse of public infrastructure. Former residents report that electricity and gas supplies are non-existent, forcing reliance on wood-burning stoves and scarce fuel for generators.
Commercial supply chains have become erratic since the beginning of 2026, leading to acute shortages of food and medicine. Residents describe a desperate environment where older individuals, unable to compete for limited goods, are experiencing severe malnutrition. Medical infrastructure is similarly crippled; the Oleshky District Hospital operates exclusively on emergency generator power, severely limiting its ability to treat civilian casualties.
Risks of Hostilities and Mines
The area surrounding Oleshky remains a highly active front line, subjected to frequent exchanges of fire between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Human Rights Watch noted that both sides have utilized antipersonnel mines and drones in the region, creating a lethal environment for those attempting to navigate roads or seek basic resources.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine recorded at least 29 civilian deaths and 54 injuries in Oleshky and Hola Prystan during the first half of 2026. Residents described the pervasive threat of explosive remnants of war, with one witness recounting the death of a neighbor who triggered a mine and subsequently died from blood loss because emergency services could not reach the scene due to active drone activity and a lack of medical transport.
Barriers to Evacuation
There is no formal, safe evacuation corridor for civilians wishing to leave the occupied territory. Those who attempt to flee must navigate a series of Russian military checkpoints where they are subject to unpredictable procedures and document checks.
The process of leaving is fraught with legal and physical peril:
- Document Screening: Russian forces routinely inspect mobile phones at checkpoints, creating a significant deterrent for those attempting to maintain contact with the outside world.
- Passport Pressure: Residents report that being forced to obtain Russian internal passports can lead to immediate conscription into the Russian military, particularly for men, which constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.
- The Belarus Route: To reach government-controlled Ukraine, civilians must often transit through Belarus. However, this requires possessing a Russian international travel passport, which many Ukrainians in the occupied territories do not have or are unwilling to obtain.
Obligations Under International Law
Yulia Gorbunova, associate director for Ukraine at Human Rights Watch, stated that the current conditions for those trapped in the Khersonska region are "hellish." Under international humanitarian law, Russia, as the occupying power, is obligated to ensure the civilian population has access to essential goods and to facilitate the safe, voluntary evacuation of those who wish to leave. Conversely, all warring parties are required to take feasible steps to protect civilians from the impact of hostilities, including the use of landmines.
While discussions have reportedly taken place between Russia and Ukraine regarding potential pauses in hostilities to allow for civilian evacuations, no formal agreement has been established to provide a safe passage for the remaining residents.
