European Parliament vice-president agrees to end hunger strike after Oleshky aid deal

European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno agreed to end her hunger strike after arrangements were reached for humanitarian aid and the evacuation of residents from occupied Oleshky in Kherson Oblast.

Ukrainian Parliamentary Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said he spoke with Picierno on 23 October. He said the hunger strike had already posed a serious threat to her life and health.

Terms of the humanitarian operation

The arrangements include mine clearance on the road to Oleshky, deliveries of food, water, medicine and hospital equipment, and safe passage and evacuation for civilians.

Lubinets briefed Picierno on local ceasefire arrangements brokered with the help of US First Lady Melania Trump. He also promised to keep her regularly informed about their implementation.

Hunger strike began on 21 October

Picierno began the hunger strike on 21 October to draw international attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in occupied Oleshky and secure aid for local residents.

The Ukrainian and Russian General Staffs said a ceasefire would begin in a designated area on the night of 26–27 October to enable a humanitarian operation in temporarily occupied Oleshky.