Civilians in Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Kherson region are grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, as they remain unable to safely evacuate, according to Human Rights Watch. The organization emphasized the urgent need for Russian and Ukrainian forces to cease the use of antipersonnel mines and to ensure the protection of civilians by issuing effective warnings and providing mine risk education.
The responsibility of Russia, as an occupying power, includes ensuring that civilians have access to essential resources such as food and medical care, a responsibility that rights groups argue is not being met. Displaced persons from areas like Oleshky, under Russian occupation since February 2022, report acute shortages of food and medical care alongside a collapse of public utilities. Their attempts to escape are fraught with danger, facing unpredictable Russian checkpoints and threats from ongoing hostilities and landmines Human Rights Watch warns.
In other affected areas such as Hola Prystan, Stara Zburivka, and Nova Zburivka, basic living conditions are reported to be entirely non-existent. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has received over 220 direct evacuation requests from these settlements, highlighting the desperation of the local population.
Compounding these challenges, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine noted that May 2026 saw the highest civilian casualties recorded in over a year, with 275 civilians killed and 1,763 injured. The use of powerful weapons by Russian forces in urban areas has been identified as a major factor contributing to these numbers. Furthermore, the mission reported a significant increase in civilian casualties attributed to short-range drone attacks, which have disrupted essential services and emergency support Reuters reports.
Despite discussions between Ukraine and Russia about a potential local ceasefire, no agreements have been reached. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community’s calls for action grow louder, emphasizing the need for concrete measures to alleviate the suffering of trapped civilians. The complexity of the situation underscores the critical importance of diplomatic efforts in tandem with humanitarian initiatives to safeguard lives and ensure access to vital resources.