Ukrainian faith leaders plead with Pope Leo XIV for action on Russian blockade

Ukrainian religious leaders are asking Pope Leo XIV and international faith leaders to use all available means to save civilians facing starvation in Oleshky. In an appeal released September 19, the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) described a humanitarian catastrophe in the city, which is located in the southern Kherson region under temporary Russian occupation.

The UCCRO reported that more than 6,000 civilians, including approximately 200 children, are trapped in a gray zone near the front line due to a Russian humanitarian blockade. According to the council, food supplies have not been delivered to the area since the end of May. The Institute for the Study of War stated in a September 17 assessment that Oleshky has not received food deliveries since May 26 and noted that drone attacks, mines, and occupation forces prevent residents from fleeing.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a September 21 social media post that Russian officials have repeatedly refused to allow humanitarian aid or evacuations. The Institute for the Study of War reported that the blockade places thousands of people at risk of disease, starvation, and abuse.