Statement by Commissioner Lahbib on the siege of Oleshky, Ukraine

What is happening in Oleshky, Ukraine, is appalling. Civilians are trapped under siege by Russian forces without access to food, medicine, clean water and basic care. This is unacceptable.

Humanitarian aid must reach people in need, and civilians must be allowed to leave. The EU is engaging with relevant partners and using every available avenue to facilitate assistance, including for people trapped in temporarily occupied territories.

Our humanitarian partners are ready to deliver. They need safe, sustained and effective humanitarian access on the ground.

Russia, as occupying power, has clear obligations under international humanitarian law: civilians must be protected and humanitarian assistance must be facilitated.