Occupied Oleshky marks anniversary under Russian blockade as residents resort to eating grass

The Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Oleshky marked its 942nd founding anniversary this week, though the milestone was overshadowed by a severe humanitarian situation under occupation. According to accounts from local residents, the town is under such a tight Russian-imposed blockade that people have been reduced to eating roadside grass to survive.

The report on Oleshky appeared as part of a regular roundup of developments in the Russo-Ukrainian war, covering day 1662 of the conflict. The same roundup noted another significant development at sea: Ukrainian uncrewed boats won what was described as the first known naval battle fought entirely between unmanned vessels.

Oleshky is one of several Ukrainian towns that have come under Russian occupation authority since the start of the full-scale invasion. Residents' accounts of being forced to eat roadside grass suggest that supply routes into the town have been severely restricted or cut off, creating a serious food shortage for the local population.

The source report did not provide further details on how long the blockade has lasted, how many residents currently remain in the town, or what position Russia's occupation administration has taken on the situation. An anniversary that would normally be marked as a celebration was instead defined this year primarily by residents' accounts of surviving under extreme conditions.

The situation reflects a broader pattern seen across occupied Ukrainian territories, where civilians face restricted access to food and basic services.