Al Jazeera reports that residents of Russia-occupied Oleshky in Ukraine are facing severe hunger, drones and landmines, with people reportedly resorting to eating weeds to survive.
Key facts
- Oleshky is a town in Ukraine currently under Russian occupation.
- Residents are reportedly turning to weeds for sustenance, according to Al Jazeera.
- The town is also affected by drones and landmines.
- Bodies are reportedly being eaten by feral dogs, Al Jazeera reports.
Residents of Oleshky, a town in Ukraine under Russian occupation, are facing hunger, drones and landmines, according to a report by Al Jazeera published on October 5, 2026.
The outlet reports that conditions in the town have deteriorated to the point where Ukrainians are turning to weeds for sustenance. The report describes a situation of severe food scarcity for those remaining in the occupied area.
According to Al Jazeera, the dangers facing residents extend beyond hunger. The presence of drones and landmines poses ongoing threats to those living in and moving around the town.
In one of the starkest details from the report, Al Jazeera states that bodies are reportedly being eaten by feral dogs, underscoring the breakdown of normal conditions in the occupied town.
The report offers a window into life under occupation in parts of Ukraine, where civilians continue to contend with scarcity and physical danger. Al Jazeera’s account focuses on the daily struggle for survival among those who remain.
Further independent verification of conditions inside occupied areas such as Oleshky is often difficult to obtain, and the details here are drawn from the Al Jazeera report.
Why it matters
The reported conditions in Oleshky highlight the humanitarian toll of the war in Ukraine on civilians living under occupation. Accounts of hunger, physical danger and a breakdown of basic conditions underscore the vulnerability of those who remain in contested areas.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Oleshky?
Oleshky is a town in Ukraine that is currently under Russian occupation, according to Al Jazeera.
What conditions are residents reportedly facing?
According to Al Jazeera, residents face hunger, drones and landmines, and are reportedly turning to weeds for sustenance. The report also states bodies are reportedly being eaten by feral dogs.
How reliable are reports from occupied areas?
Independent verification of conditions inside occupied areas is often difficult to obtain. The details reported here are drawn from Al Jazeera's account.

