Pope, other world faith leaders urged to save starving Ukrainian victims of Russian blockade

Ukrainian religious leaders are calling on Pope Leo XIV, global faith leaders, and the international community to take urgent action to prevent starvation among civilians in Oleshky. In an appeal released September 19, the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) urged leaders to use every available means to address a humanitarian catastrophe in the southern Kherson region.

The UCCRO reports that more than 6,000 civilians, including approximately 200 children, are trapped in a gray zone near the front line under Russian occupation. According to the council, Russian forces have imposed a humanitarian blockade, with the last food supplies delivered to the area in late May. The Institute for the Study of War noted in a September 17 assessment that Oleshky has not received any food deliveries since May 26.

The Institute for the Study of War stated that Russian forces have deliberately used deprivation and bureaucratic mismanagement as weapons, leaving thousands at risk of disease, starvation, and abuse. Residents are currently unable to flee due to drone attacks, mines, and the presence of occupation forces. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on September 21 that Russian officials have repeatedly refused to allow humanitarian aid or evacuations.