Ukraine has delivered about four tons of food by drone to civilians in the occupied city of Oleshky in the Kherson region. Kherson governor Oleksandr Prokudin announced the operation on September 27, saying supplies reached 100 locations.

Ukrainian units have been flying food across the Dnipro River by drone since March. One of the largest operations involved the 30th Marine Corps, the Hrim tactical group, the 34th Borysfen Marine Brigade, National Guard units, and the 79th Border Guard Detachment.

Prokudin said Russian forces have tried to disrupt the deliveries by shooting down aid drones and confiscating or reselling food. He said residents have faced detention and physical abuse for receiving the packages.

Oleshky sits on the occupied left bank of the Dnipro, across from the city of Kherson. About 2,000 civilians remain in the city and its surrounding villages. UN monitors say no conventional food deliveries have reached Oleshky since May 26.

On September 25, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner called the situation “alarming” and urged an immediate local ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and safe evacuation of civilians.