EU seeks access to Russian-occupied Oleshky, says situation there is "unacceptable"
The European Union says the humanitarian situation in Russian-occupied Oleshky is unacceptable and is seeking unhindered access for humanitarian aid to civilians in coordination with its international partners.
Source: European Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova responding to a question from European Pravda's Brussels correspondent
Details: The EU is calling for humanitarian access to Oleshky to be ensured and is working with its international partners to secure it.
"What is going on in Oleshky is unacceptable," Hrncirova said.
She stressed that international humanitarian law requires basic assistance to be provided to civilians caught in an armed conflict.
Quote: "We call for humanitarian access to the area and it must be provided in accordance with the international humanitarian law – without any discrimination, without obstruction. Civilians must be allowed to leave areas of hostilities, and they must be able to leave safely and voluntarily."
Details: Hrncirova said the EU is closely monitoring both the situation in Oleshky and the situation in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories more broadly.
Quote: "There are severe constraints that hinder humanitarian access, including the lack of humanitarian corridors, as you have mentioned.
We try to get access to the area with our humanitarian partners. We work with international organisations and with Ukraine."
Details: The spokeswoman clarified that this work is being carried out as part of the broader humanitarian aid channel through which the EU has been providing assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war.
Background:
- On 28 September, Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the EU is trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Oleshky.
- Michael O'Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, also reacted to the situation in Oleshky, which has been hit by a large-scale humanitarian crisis.
- The 34th Separate Marine Brigade has posted footage of occupied Oleshky, saying the Russians have "turned it into a ghost town".
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