Oleshky ceasefire: Life-saving aid must reach people cut off for months

Statement by Marit Glad, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) country director in Ukraine, on the localised ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine: 
Press release
Ukraine
Published 27. Oct 2026
 

“For five long months, civilians in Oleshky have been cut off from the world. Although the city is just five kilometres across the Dnipro River from Kherson, people have been surviving without food supplies, electricity and gas, clean water, and medical care.  

“The localised ceasefire which came into effect today represents a positive step and a chance for life-saving humanitarian aid to finally reach those in need. The ceasefire must be effectively implemented to allow support to quickly reach civilians who have completely depleted their resources.  

“People in Oleshky have the right to choose where they seek safety and support. For those who wish to leave the city, we call for voluntary, informed humanitarian evacuations to safer areas. 

“Protection and humanitarian assistance should not depend on a ceasefire. Parties to the conflict must ensure that help and protection reach to people in need.” 

Notes to editors: 

  • Oleshky is located in the Russian-occupied part of the Kherson region. 

  • The city has faced severe disruption to essential services following years of conflict and the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in 2023, which caused widespread flooding across parts of the Kherson region. 

  • Since May 2026, the humanitarian situation in Oleshky has deteriorated sharply, with civilians facing growing obstacles to accessing humanitarian assistance, essential supplies and safe movement. 

  • Civilians remaining in the area face significant humanitarian needs, including challenges accessing food, clean water, healthcare and other services. 

  • The Norwegian Refugee Council has been present in Ukraine since 2014. Since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022, we have been responding to the needs of displaced and conflict-affected people across Ukraine in collaboration with national partners. In 2025, we assisted over 340,000 people in Ukraine. 

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