An Onishchenko Couple Walked 24 Kilometers Through Minefields to Escape Occupied Oleshky

Escaping the Occupied City of Oleshky

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On September 15, 2026, Anatoliy, 72, and Alla Onishchenko, 73, embarked on a harrowing 24-kilometer journey on foot to flee Oleshky in the Kherson region, which was under occupation. Their trek lasted nine hours, with the final 800 meters taking an entire hour due to the extreme danger posed by landmines. Having lived in Oleshky for over 38 years, the couple raised three daughters and owned an apartment, a summer house on the Dnipro River, and a garden. They carried only essential items: documents, a bag, a bicycle, apartment keys, and a radio.

The situation in Oleshky deteriorated sharply after May 26, 2026, when the last food supplies reached local stores. Approximately 2,000 residents were left without access to food, water, or medicine, trapped under strict occupation control. Locals attempted to survive by cultivating vegetables in their gardens. During the summer of 2026, the Onishchenkos endured 11 days of captivity inside their own home. On July 19, a Russian soldier threatened them with death and forcibly occupied their residence, bringing weapons, grenades, and explosives. The couple managed to escape to a nearby hospital on July 30.

“We walked those 24 kilometers over nine hours, and the last 800 meters took an entire hour. The hardest and scariest part was wondering if we would ever see our children and grandchildren again. The path was full of mines, one after another,”

Anatoliy Onishchenko

After leaving Oleshky, the couple traveled with others for a total of 2,800 kilometers to reach Ternopil. At the Ukrainian border there, they received food, gifts, and assistance to get to the train station to buy tickets.

The Onishchenko couple shared that adjusting to their new life took about one to two weeks. Yet, the fear born from the occupation remains. Alla explained, “We’re still afraid to step on the grass because there might be mines hidden there. The fear hasn’t gone away.” She also mentioned, “We never throw away bread-we understand its true value. I dry both black and white bread separately to save for later. You never know what might happen. The fear of hunger is still with us.”

Humanitarian Crisis and Current Conditions in Oleshky

Oleshky has been under occupation since April 2026. On October 28, 2026, a ceasefire was implemented in the region to allow for a humanitarian mission. This truce lasted 30 hours without any reported incidents. The Ukrainian General Staff has urged caution regarding information about civilian movements and humanitarian convoys due to ongoing risks in the area.

The Onishchenkos’ escape and their long journey to Ternopil highlight the severe humanitarian crisis faced by residents of occupied territories. With scarce access to food and medical supplies, many civilians risk their lives simply trying to survive. Their story is one among many that reveal the human cost endured by Ukrainians affected by the war.

The current conditions in Oleshky and other occupied regions call for urgent international attention and support. While the ceasefire is temporary, it represents a crucial opportunity to improve humanitarian aid and assist those most in need.

The dire situation in Oleshky has left many residents in peril, facing severe shortages of food and essential supplies. Since May 26, the circumstances have worsened, causing approximately 1,700 individuals to struggle without aid. To understand the broader implications of this humanitarian crisis and the challenges faced by those still trapped, you can read more about the ongoing struggle for survival in the city here.