Thousands of civilians trapped in frontline communities in southern Ukraine are facing a deepening humanitarian crisis as access to food, medical care and evacuation routes continues to shrink, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country, HMRRU, warned on Wednesday.
Residents in occupied parts of the Kherson region have described how daily life has become increasingly dangerous, with short-range drone attacks and landmines restricting movement and cutting off access to necessities.
"People can't get out, food can't get in, and sick and injured are not getting the medical assistance they need," said Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU.
Ukrainian authorities estimate that up to 6,000 civilians remain in frontline communities including Oleshky and Hola Prystan, among them more than 180 children.
Recorded reports indicate that at least 29 civilians have been killed and 54 injured in the two communities so far this year.
Safety at risk
Residents described conditions steadily worsening through 2025 and into 2026 as continued hostilities made evacuation increasingly difficult.
One woman who fled Oleshky in May told monitors that repeated attacks had killed or injured people she knew, leaving residents living in constant fear.
Drone strikes have reportedly restricted movement while landmines have rendered roads unsafe, effectively trapping many residents.
Increased hunger
The insecurity has also deepened food shortages. Residents said Oleshky's last grocery store stopped operating regularly in January after supply routes became unreliable.
People now rely largely on preserved food and irregular private deliveries, which many older residents and those with limited mobility struggle to access.
Food deliveries have also become increasingly rare. As of 24 June, no shipments had reached the town for nearly a month,a s the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine grinds on.
Limited medical care
Healthcare access has deteriorated alongside the security situation. Residents told HRMMU that ambulances no longer travel directly to homes and treatment is available only in the most urgent cases.
According to local accounts gathered by the UN, four injured civilians currently hospitalised in Oleshky require transfer for further treatment but remain unable to leave. One patient recently died while waiting.
"Under international law, an occupying power has the duty to ensure food and medical supplies for the population and to facilitate humanitarian relief when necessary," HRMMU said.
Interrupted aid
Humanitarian access has also become increasingly constrained. Earlier this month, a civilian convoy carrying food and aid reportedly struck a landmine while entering Oleshky, killing one man and injuring three others.
The risks facing those trying to reach frontline communities were emphasized again this week after two demining workers were killed and several others injured in an attack in the Kherson region on Wednesday.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic killing of two demining workers," HRMMU said, adding that humanitarian workers must never be targeted and that international humanitarian law must be respected.
Calls for humanitarian access
Volunteers told the UN that organised evacuations remain too dangerous because of ongoing attacks and mine contamination, although around 180 people have managed to leave through informal arrangements in recent months.
Discussions between Ukraine and Russia on a possible local ceasefire to enable evacuations have taken place but have yet to produce an agreement.
"There is a desperate need for a local ceasefire so that people can leave and food and medicines can reach those who decide to stay," Ms. Bell said.
