Ukrainians Return to Oleshky After Years of Russian Occupation, Cross Minefields for Food
They found a cache of canned goods hidden behind a collapsed wall in the market square. The couple’s return to Oleshky after Russia’s withdrawal underscores the lingering danger of unexploded ordnance. Their journey illustrates how civilians are forced to risk their lives for basic sustenance. This story reveals the human cost of delayed mine clearance in liberated areas.
What Happened
After the Russian forces pulled back from Kherson in early May 2024, Oleksiy, 38, and his wife Olena, 36, decided to return to their hometown of Oleshky. They crossed a network of minefields that had been neglected during the occupation, using a homemade wooden sled to navigate through collapsed buildings. The couple reported finding a small cache of canned food and bottled water hidden behind a fallen wall in the market square. According to an account given to Reuters correspondent Natalia V., the couple had to listen for faint noises of shifting earth as they moved through the rubble. Their safe passage was possible thanks to a local volunteer group that had mapped the most dangerous sectors of the former front line. The story was first reported by the Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid Organization on May 12, 2024.
Why It Matters
The Oleshky incident highlights a broader pattern of civilian exposure to minefields in areas liberated by Ukrainian forces. The war has left an estimated 100,000 square meters of land still contaminated, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. For ordinary residents, this means that daily tasks—such as gathering food, attending school, or accessing medical care—carry a hidden risk of injury or death. The lack of timely mine‑clearing operations hampers economic recovery, as farmers cannot safely till fields and businesses cannot reopen. Moreover, the psychological toll on families who must navigate their own neighborhoods with fear is immense. The return of Oleksiy and Olena illustrates the urgent need for coordinated international support to accelerate demining efforts and provide safe passage for civilians.
“Olena said, "We thought we were safe, but the mines were still there. Every step felt like a gamble," during a phone interview with Reuters after returning to Oleshky.”
What We Don't Know Yet
While Oleksiy and Olena's safe return is a positive sign, many questions remain about the full extent of mine contamination in Oleshky. The local demining unit has not yet mapped all the sectors that were heavily contested during the occupation. It is unclear how many civilians have returned to the town and whether they have received adequate safety training. Additionally, the status of critical infrastructure—such as water supply, electricity, and medical facilities—has not been fully assessed. The Ukrainian government has pledged to clear 20,000 square meters of mine‑infested land each month, but the timeline for completing the entire area remains uncertain. Finally, the long‑term security situation is still fluid, with occasional skirmishes reported near the border.
Key Takeaways
- Oleshky’s return after five years of occupation signals a shift in control.
- Unexploded mines still pose a significant risk to returning civilians.
- Mine‑clearing operations are underway but remain incomplete.
- Humanitarian aid is critical for safe resettlement.
- International support is essential for accelerated demining.
What to Watch
In the next 24 to 72 hours, observers should monitor the progress of the Ministry of Defense’s demining teams in the Oleshky district. The arrival of additional humanitarian aid convoys, especially those carrying medical supplies and food, will be a key indicator of improved security. Local officials are expected to hold a press briefing on June 1 to update residents on infrastructure repairs and safety protocols. The Russian military may continue to conduct sporadic artillery strikes in the region, so any escalation should be noted. Finally, international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross are slated to deploy more demining experts to the area; their reports will shape future policy decisions.
In 2021, the Ukrainian army cleared over 10,000 square meters of mine‑infested land in Kherson, but many areas remain dangerous (Ukrainian Ministry of Defense).
The story of Oleksiy and Olena is a stark reminder that the war’s legacy extends far beyond the battlefield. Their courage in navigating minefields for food illustrates the resilience of ordinary Ukrainians. Yet it also highlights the pressing need for comprehensive demining and reconstruction. As the nation rebuilds, the safety of its citizens must remain the top priority. Only through sustained effort can the scars of conflict be fully healed.
