Picierno announced the action on the social network X. She said its aim is to draw international attention to the humanitarian situation in Oleshky.
She called on civil society organizations, citizens and public authorities to join the action. She demanded an immediate humanitarian truce, the delivery of food and medicine, and the safe evacuation of civilians who wish to leave the town.
The situation in Oleshky has remained severe for more than a year: the town is virtually cut off from the outside world. There is no electricity, and medicines and food are running out. Volunteers report cases of death from starvation, Novaya Gazeta Europe writes. About two thousand people remain in the town, including almost fifty children.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova blamed Ukraine for the supply problems, attributing them to the proximity of Ukrainian positions and shelling, Novaya Gazeta Europe reports.
The previous day, Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said Russia and Ukraine were coordinating the final details of the evacuation of residents of Oleshky and six nearby settlements. According to him, the sides are working on ensuring a "regime of silence" and the evacuation of those who wish to leave to territory controlled by the Ukrainian government.
The European Commission and Pope Leo XIV had earlier called on Moscow to allow humanitarian aid into Oleshky and permit residents to leave. On 16 October the pontiff discussed the situation with Vladimir Putin by telephone, expressing deep concern and calling for a ceasefire. According to Ekho, Putin blamed Ukraine for the humanitarian crisis.