Ukrainian Civilians Trapped in ‘Road of Death’ City

The Siege and Survival Struggle

To stay or risk the Road – Residents of Oleshky, a city on the frontlines of Ukraine’s war, face a harrowing choice: stay and endure the relentless conflict or brave the “Road of Death” for a chance to escape. Ludmilla, who speaks from the rooftop of a burned-out home, describes the perilous situation. “The road is mined, so we’re stuck here,” she says over the phone. “People are doing their best to survive.” The city has been cut off from essential supplies for months, with infrastructure crumbling under the weight of ongoing attacks. For the approximately 2,000 people still there, pasta and canned goods have become staples. Scavenging from abandoned homes is now a daily necessity, as the once-thriving community now exists as a patchwork of ruins.

The Ukrainian human rights commissioner has raised concerns about the city’s deteriorating conditions. While sporadic deliveries from volunteers and aid groups provide some relief, the isolation persists. Photos from the BBC show elderly citizens gathering in a central square, scavenging for supplies. Ludmilla notes that even these efforts come with a high price. “Prices are still steep,” she explains, highlighting the struggle to maintain normalcy amid the chaos. The city’s residents have grown accustomed to hardship, navigating the aftermath with quiet resilience and a shared sense of despair.

The Perilous Escape Route

Oleshky’s survival hinges on a single, dangerous path: the “Road of Death” stretching south-westward along the Dnipro river. This route, named for its deadly mines, is the only viable escape for those daring enough to attempt it. Locals describe the journey as a gamble, with every step fraught with risk. “Leaving Oleshky means praying to God we won’t hit a mine,” says Volodymyr, a 50-something resident. His family made the decision to flee after enduring relentless bombardment for months, though the path remains treacherous.

Satellite imagery from November reveals the extent of destruction along the road. At least eight vehicles lie in ruin on a 1km stretch between Oleshky and Kardashynka, with a large scorch mark between Kardashynka and Hola Prystan’ suggesting explosive impacts. Footage from late January shows a vehicle veering off the road, engulfed in flames. These incidents reinforce the fears of evacuees. The E97 road to the east also bears the scars of war, with trenches and damage indicating continued military activity. For many, the “Road of Death” is both a lifeline and a graveyard.

Voices of Resilience

Despite the devastation, some Oleshky residents remain defiant. Ludmilla’s home was destroyed in June 2023 when the Kakhovka Dam, upstream on the Dnipro, was detonated under Russian occupation. The flood turned neighborhoods into rubble, leaving Ludmilla to live in another burned-out house. “There’s no point in moving—everything is still being destroyed,” she says. Her story mirrors that of others, as the mines and shelling continue to reshape daily life. The snow has melted, but the danger remains hidden beneath debris, making every decision a calculated risk.

For others, survival is a daily battle. Ludmilla explains that trees felled by shelling are easier to use as firewood than damaged buildings, a stark reminder of the city’s fragility. Families adapt as best they can, often with little choice. “We’re surviving, but not living,” she adds, capturing the duality of their existence. The “Road of Death” is not just a path to escape—it is a symbol of the war’s unrelenting toll on civilians, who navigate both enemy fire and scarcity with unwavering determination.

The BBC has interviewed seven individuals, some still in Oleshky and others who recently fled. Their accounts, shared via phone calls and messaging apps, reflect a shared reality of hardship and perseverance. A Ukrainian official confirms the ongoing crisis, though details are still being verified through photographs, location data, and records. These stories underscore the city’s plight, with the “Road of Death” emerging as a critical narrative thread.