European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno Ends Hunger Strike Following Humanitarian Aid Agreement for Oleshky

Pina Picierno’s Hunger Strike and the Humanitarian Crisis in Oleshky

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Pina Picierno, Vice-President of the European Parliament, has ended her hunger strike, which she began to highlight the dire humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast. This decision came after breakthroughs were made in securing a local ceasefire, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and organizing the evacuation of civilians.

Picierno initiated the hunger strike to bring international attention to the hardships faced by Oleshky’s residents under Russian control. Her protest posed a significant risk to her health and well-being. Dmitro Lubinets, Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, announced the end of her hunger strike and shared that during their conversation, he updated her on the progress of the ceasefire agreements.

Arrangements for Humanitarian Support

These agreements, supported by former U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, aim to establish safe conditions for delivering humanitarian supplies to Oleshky and evacuating vulnerable civilians. Plans include clearing mines along the route to the city to ensure secure passage for aid convoys. The scheduled aid delivery includes:

• food supplies;
• drinking water;
• medications;
• medical equipment for the local hospital.

Guaranteeing safe and unobstructed movement for civilians is a central part of these arrangements.

Protecting human life and ensuring humanitarian access for Oleshky’s residents remain our top priorities.

Dmitro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights

Lubinets also praised Picierno’s compassion, determination, and willingness to stand up for the dignity and lives of those affected, calling it deeply admirable.

Important milestones related to these efforts include Pope Leo XIV’s call on October 16 for a ceasefire in Oleshky, Lubinets’ October 19 announcement about the near completion of evacuation plans, and the White House’s October 23 statement confirming that Melania Trump successfully secured a local truce scheduled to begin on October 29.

Oleshky has been under occupation since the very early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2026. Around 2,000 residents are trapped without adequate food, clean water, or medical care, living under strict control by Russian forces. Since spring 2026, shortages of essentials and blocked exit routes to Ukrainian-controlled areas have worsened the humanitarian situation. In response, humanitarian corridors and de-blockade operations are being planned.

Ending Picierno’s hunger strike marks a significant step toward resolving the urgent crisis in Oleshky, where conditions remain critical. The agreements reached with international support demonstrate a concerted effort to improve life for civilians enduring occupation. These developments highlight the powerful role the global community can play in influencing local conflicts and advancing humanitarian initiatives.

The recent developments in securing humanitarian aid for Oleshky are closely linked to the ceasefire announced by Russia, which is set to begin on October 27. This truce aims to create a safe environment for delivering essential supplies and evacuating civilians. For more details on this critical agreement and its implications for the residents of Oleshky, explore our coverage of the ceasefire in the Kherson region.