British News Agency

Lahbib issued a statement regarding the situation in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky.

Lahbib said civilians in Oleshky were under siege by Russian forces and lacked access to food, medicine, clean water and basic care.

Stating that humanitarian aid must reach those in need and that civilians must be allowed to leave the area, Lahbib said the European Union was in contact with relevant partners and was using all available means to facilitate the delivery of assistance, including to people stranded in temporarily occupied territories.

Lahbib said humanitarian partners were ready to deliver aid, but safe, sustainable and effective humanitarian access on the ground was needed.

Lahbib stated that Russia, as an occupying power, had obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, adding that civilians in Oleshky must have regular access to food, medicine, water and basic care.