# Neighbors from hell — How one Oleshky family survived living next to Russian soldiers

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/neighbors-from-hell-how-one-oleshky-family-survived-living-next-to-russian-soldiers/
- Published: 2026-11-09T14:57:14+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-09T21:41:32+00:00
- Original publisher: Kyiv Independent
- Original article: https://kyivindependent.com/neighbors-from-hell-how-one-oleshky-family-survived-living-next-to-russian-soldiers/
- Topics: Europe, World

## Key points

- A family escaped years of occupation in Oleshky.
- They lived beside Russian soldiers amid attacks and shortages.
- A humanitarian mission brought them to Ukrainian-held territory.

## Summary

The Samarsky family endured years of Russian occupation in Oleshky, living in an apartment building occupied by Russian soldiers and facing attacks, shortages and interrogations. They were evacuated to Ukrainian-controlled territory in late October 2026 through a humanitarian mission mediated by Melania Trump, after staying to care for Serhii’s seriously ill parents.

The family described cold winters without heating or electricity, scarce food, constant drone activity and mined escape routes. Russian forces also used residential areas in Oleshky to position military equipment and launch attacks; the family said soldiers launched drones from their building. Before the occupation, Oleshky was a close-knit community, and Olha worked at a school for children with disabilities, some of whom were forcibly displaced.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.