European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno has agreed to end the hunger strike she announced on October 20 over the humanitarian crisis in temporarily occupied Oleshky, Kherson region. This was reported on Telegram by Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets.
According to the ombudsman, he spoke with Picierno and urged her to end the protest because of the threat to her life and health.
“Her hunger strike had begun to pose a serious threat to her life and health.”
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights
Lubinets informed the European Parliament vice-president about the agreements reached on a local ceasefire with the assistance of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.
According to him, the agreements provide for:
- clearing mines from the road to Oleshky;
- the delivery of humanitarian aid — food, water, medicines and essential technical equipment for the hospital;
- ensuring the safe and unhindered movement of civilians.
Humanitarian situation in Oleshky
Picierno announced her hunger strike on October 20 in support of Oleshky residents. She called for an immediate humanitarian truce.
According to the UN Monitoring Mission, the last food delivery to Oleshky took place on May 26. Fewer than 2,000 people remain in the city, lacking food and medicines.
The roads leading to the city are mined, and residents find it difficult to leave because of the danger of attacks.
Temporary ceasefire
On October 23, the White House reported that Ukraine and Russia, mediated by Melania Trump, had agreed to a temporary ceasefire in the Oleshky area.
According to the General Staff, the truce is to begin on October 27. Its purpose is to conduct a humanitarian operation in the city.
