Ukraine is raising the alarm over a deepening hunger crisis in a Russian-occupied town, according to NU. Reports cited by the outlet describe residents eating grass, pigeons and dogs as food supplies run out. The town has been cut off by Russian troops, leaving its inhabitants facing what several outlets describe as a looming famine.
NU reported the story on Friday, 25 September 2026, under a headline stating that people are eating dogs. De Telegraaf, in a live report, said Russian forces have sealed off Oleshky, putting residents at risk of starvation. VRT reported that the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town is balancing on the edge of famine, with residents resorting to eating grass, pigeons and dogs.
The reports are not limited to the occupied areas. NOS reported that famine is also threatening Ukrainian villages, where residents say their last remaining supplies are being opened. De Volkskrant, in a related piece, quoted a description of life under Russian rule as a "hell" for Ukrainians.
The accounts come from multiple Dutch and Belgian news organisations, all pointing to severe food insecurity in areas under Russian control or near the front line. No independent casualty or hunger figures were provided in the summaries available.
What to watch next: whether aid organisations gain access to the affected areas, and whether the reported blockade of Oleshky is confirmed or eased in the coming days.
