Bishop of Odessa calls for urgent humanitarian aid for Oleshky

The bishop of the Latin rite Catholic diocese of Odessa-Sympheropol, Stanislav Shyrokoradiuk, has reported a dire humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, a city in southern Ukraine. This information comes from local Catholic parishioners and a local priest, highlighting the community's fear and desperation. Since being occupied by Russian forces on February 24, 2022, Oleshky has been isolated for months, preventing anyone from entering or exiting the city.

Residents are suffering from hunger and lack essential services such as electricity, heating, and running water. As winter approaches, conditions are expected to worsen significantly. In response to the emergency, churches have mobilized and issued a call for international assistance in September. They appealed to Pope Leo XIII for immediate intervention to save the city.