Thousands trapped in southern Ukraine struggle to survive

Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies in Southern Ukraine

Thousands trapped in southern Ukraine struggle - As the conflict in southern Ukraine persists, a growing number of civilians are unable to escape the frontlines, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). The mission highlighted that access to essential resources like food, medical care, and evacuation paths has been severely limited, worsening the situation for those trapped in occupied regions. This crisis, now stretching into its second year, has left thousands in dire conditions, with daily life becoming increasingly perilous due to relentless attacks and the widespread use of landmines.

Frontline Communities Under Threat

Residents in the Kherson region, which has been under Russian occupation since early 2022, described the challenges of survival. With short-range drone strikes and landmine placements disrupting movement, the towns of Oleshky and Hola Prystan have become isolated pockets of suffering. “People can’t get out, food can’t get in, and the sick and injured are not receiving the care they need,” said Danielle Bell, the HRMMU head, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.

According to Ukrainian government figures, approximately 6,000 civilians remain in frontline communities, including over 180 children. Recent data shows that 29 civilians have been killed and 54 injured in these areas this year alone. The situation has deteriorated steadily since 2025, with evacuation routes frequently targeted by artillery and drone strikes. This has made it nearly impossible for residents to flee, even as the war enters its fourth month of sustained conflict.

Survivors in a State of Perpetual Fear

A local woman who escaped Oleshky in May recounted the trauma of her experience. She told HRMMU monitors that repeated bombings and missile attacks had claimed the lives of friends and family, leaving her and others in constant dread. “Every day feels like a gamble,” she said, her voice trembling. “You never know if the next strike will take your home or your life.”

Drone strikes have not only targeted military assets but also everyday activities. With roads frequently mined, vehicles are forced to navigate treacherous paths, often avoiding areas where children play or where medical supplies are stored. The resulting delays in aid distribution have left communities like Oleshky reliant on dwindling food reserves and sporadic private deliveries. “The last grocery store closed in January when supply lines collapsed,” a resident explained. “Now, we’re surviving on what we had stored months ago.”

Healthcare Systems Overwhelmed

Medical infrastructure has also suffered. HRMMU reports that ambulances no longer reach homes directly, forcing patients to wait for hours before receiving treatment. In Oleshky, four injured individuals are currently hospitalized but cannot be transported for further care. One of them recently passed away while waiting for a transfer, underscoring the severity of the crisis. “The lack of access to medical facilities is a silent killer,” Bell noted.

The situation has created a dire dilemma for families. With limited mobility, elderly residents and children often struggle to obtain basic necessities. “Even getting to the market is a challenge,” said a 72-year-old man. “You have to move at night, and the mines are everywhere.” Volunteers have stepped in to assist, but their efforts are hampered by the constant risk of attacks. Despite this, around 180 people have managed to evacuate through informal arrangements in recent months.

Supply Chain Breakdown and Casualties

The collapse of supply routes has amplified the crisis. As of June 24, no food or medical shipments had reached Oleshky for nearly a month, with the full-scale invasion continuing to disrupt logistics. “The town is running out of everything,” said a local aid worker. “We’re trying to send what we can, but every attempt is met with resistance or destruction.”

One incident this week illustrated the peril of humanitarian efforts. A convoy delivering food and medical supplies to Oleshky was struck by a landmine, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. This event comes just days after two demining workers were killed in an attack on the Kherson region, a reminder of the risks faced by those working to alleviate suffering. “Humanitarian workers must be protected,” HRMMU stated. “Attacks on them are violations of international law.”

Call for Ceasefire and International Support

Efforts to broker a local ceasefire have been ongoing, but no agreement has yet been reached. Discussions between Ukrainian and Russian officials aim to secure safer passage for evacuations, yet progress has been slow. “Without a pause in hostilities, people will continue to suffer,” Ms. Bell said. “A local ceasefire is essential to save lives and restore aid flow.”

Residents in the region are urging international attention to their plight. “The world needs to see what we’re going through,” said a teenager from Hola Prystan. “We’re not just fighting a war—we’re fighting for our survival.” The HRMMU reiterated that an occupying force has a legal obligation to provide food, medical care, and safe evacuation routes, even as conditions in the region worsen. “This is not just a military conflict; it’s a humanitarian emergency that demands immediate action,” the mission added.

As the situation deteriorates, the stakes for civilians have never been higher. With limited resources and growing uncertainty, the people of southern Ukraine are left to navigate a landscape of destruction and despair. Their resilience is remarkable, but without urgent intervention, the crisis will only deepen. The HRMMU continues to monitor the situation, advocating for adherence to international law and the protection of vulnerable populations. “Every day without aid is a day closer to catastrophe,” Bell concluded. “We need the world to act before it’s too late.”

“People can’t get out, food can’t get in, and the sick and injured are not receiving the care they need,” said Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU.

Amid the chaos, there are small glimmers of hope. Some communities have established makeshift clinics using whatever supplies they can scavenge, while others rely on neighboring towns for aid. Yet these efforts are not enough to counter the scale of the crisis. “We’re doing our best, but it’s not enough,” said a local volunteer. “The war has to stop for us to breathe again.”

As the conflict drags on, the impact on daily life becomes more pronounced. Schools have closed, with children often unable to attend classes due to safety concerns. Women and elderly individuals face the greatest challenges, as they are less able to withstand the dangers of the frontline. “Our children are scared of everything,” a mother said. “They don’t know if they’ll wake up tomorrow.”

The HRMMU’s report serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. With thousands of civilians trapped and resources dwindling, the situation in southern Ukraine has reached a critical point. The mission calls on international actors to step in, providing emergency support and ensuring that the occupying forces uphold their obligations under international law. “The world cannot ignore this,” Bell said. “The suffering is real, and the time for action is running out.”