Ukraine seeks UN intervention for Oleshky famine crisis

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has announced plans to use the United Nations General Assembly to urge international pressure on Russia regarding a humanitarian crisis in Oleshky. Sybiha stated that approximately 6,000 residents in the Russian-occupied city, including 200 children, are facing starvation and cold due to a complete blockade by Russian forces that prevents the delivery of essential aid.

The Kremlin has acknowledged critical shortages of food and medicine in the area but maintains that Russian forces are working to resolve the issues. Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reports that there has been no progress on organized evacuations or local ceasefires to allow civilians to depart.

Separately, as UN Secretary-General António Guterres approaches the end of his mandate on December 31, 2026, Russian officials have criticized his leadership. Moscow stated it will call on his successor to review what it describes as a biased approach by the UN Secretariat regarding the conflict in Ukraine, expressing doubt about the UN's ability to act as a mediator in peace efforts.