Oleshky: Eating garden weeds to survive in Russian-occupied city cut off from food and water
Hundreds of exhausted Ukrainians, including elderly residents and a baby, have returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky. The evacuees described the occupation as "hell" and reported severe malnourishment after food supplies virtually disappeared. A localized ceasefire facilitated the operation to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. Some survivors reported eating grass and garden weeds to stay alive during the blockade.
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- ✓ Hundreds of malnourished Ukrainians have returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory from Oleshky.
- ✓ Survivors reported eating grass and other found materials to survive.
- ✓ The evacuation occurred under a rare, localized ceasefire.
What changed
US First Lady Melania Trump brokered the ceasefire that allowed residents to leave the city on Friday.
Live updates
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Hundreds of malnourished civilians evacuate Oleshky under localized ceasefire
Hundreds of exhausted Ukrainians, including elderly residents and a baby, have returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky. The evacuees described the occupation as "hell" and reported severe malnourishment after food supplies virtually disappeared. A localized ceasefire facilitated the operation to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. Some survivors reported eating grass and garden weeds to stay alive during the blockade.
Why it matters
Oleshky is a southern frontline community that suffered a Russian blockade of power, gas, and water. The city faced constant shelling and critical food shortages. This evacuation represents a rare humanitarian window in a heavily contested region.
What is confirmed
- Hundreds of malnourished Ukrainians have returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory from Oleshky.
- Survivors reported eating grass and other found materials to survive.
- The evacuation occurred under a rare, localized ceasefire.
Still unconfirmed
- One evacuated couple claims they crossed minefields in Oleshky while searching for food.
- US First Lady Melania Trump brokered the ceasefire.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the total number of civilians successfully evacuated.
- Status of the ceasefire and whether aid deliveries continue.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- firstbalkanmedia.com — ‘We Escaped From Hell’: Exhausted Ukrainians Return Home ...
- www.the-star.co.ke — Evacuees from Russia-occupied city where residents ate weeds ...
- www.yahoo.com — 'We came back from hell', say Ukrainians after years in ...
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Evacuations Underway in Oleshky Following Ceasefire
An evacuation and aid mission is underway in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky following a temporary ceasefire. Approximately 6,000 people, including 200 children, have spent three years without power, gas, or water due to a Russian blockade. Residents resorted to eating grass and garden weeds to survive severe food shortages amid constant shelling. The truce aims to deliver humanitarian aid and allow civilians to leave the occupied city. Hundreds of starving Ukrainians have returned home as part of the rare agreement, which has held for more than 30 hours.
Why it matters
Oleshky is located in the Kherson region and has faced severe devastation and isolation under Russian occupation since 2023. The cutting of food, medicine, and utility supplies created a dire humanitarian crisis that forced desperate civilians to forage for sustenance. De-mining operations are underway to facilitate the humanitarian corridor.
What is confirmed
- A temporary ceasefire and humanitarian corridor have been established in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
- Some 6,000 people, including 200 children, have gone without power, gas, or water for three years in the city.
- Residents survived food shortages by eating grass and cooking garden weeds.
- Russia severed food and medicine supplies to Oleshky amid constant shelling.
Still unconfirmed
- First Lady Melania Trump brokered the temporary ceasefire in Oleshky.
What to watch next
- Continuation of de-mining operations to keep the humanitarian corridor open
- Further evacuation numbers and reports on aid distribution inside Oleshky
- Stability of the ceasefire agreement between Russian and Ukrainian forces
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- united24media.com — What’s Happening With the Oleshky Humanitarian Corridor? Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Explained
- nypost.com — Evacuations launched in Ukraine town under Melania-brokered cease-fire amid reports of starved locals eating grass
- www.yahoo.com — Starving residents of Oleshky must not become props in ...
- www.ubstandard.com — Ceasefire Holds in Besieged Ukrainian City Where Residents ...
- www.bbc.com — Evacuated Ukrainians from Russian-occupied Oleshky ... - BBC
- www.straitstimes.com — Oleshky evacuees describe starvation under Russian occupation ...
- www.the-independent.com — Hundreds of starving Ukrainians return home from Russian ...
- www.theguardian.com — Ukraine war briefing: Oleshky truce holding and demining ...
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Oleshky ceasefire allows aid into Russian-occupied city
A local ceasefire has begun in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied Ukrainian city facing severe shortages of food, water, and electricity. Residents have been surviving on garden weeds and growing their own vegetables due to blockades and military attacks. The truce aims to allow aid to enter and civilians to leave. The situation has been dire since 2023.
Why it matters
The city of Oleshky has been trapped in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, leading to a deepening humanitarian crisis. The local ceasefire was secured by US First Lady Melania Trump, according to the White House. The agreement is limited, and its effectiveness is yet to be seen.
What is confirmed
- Residents of Oleshky have been surviving on garden weeds due to severe food shortages.
- The city has faced severe shortages of food, water, and electricity since 2023.
- A local ceasefire has been agreed upon in Oleshky to allow aid to enter and civilians to leave.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia says it will open a humanitarian corridor to the occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky, where residents have been trapped by minefields, constant shelling and drone attacks.
What to watch next
- The effectiveness of the ceasefire in allowing aid to enter the city.
- The number of civilians able to leave the city through the humanitarian corridor.
- The long-term impact of the ceasefire on the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.irishtimes.com — Russia and Ukraine agree to local ceasefire in Oleshky amid deepening humanitarian crisis
- www.aol.co.uk — Inside the city where people are eating grass to live - and ...
- www.bbc.com — Truce begins in Ukrainian city of Oleshky after it was ... - BBC
- rocketnews.com — Truce begins in Ukraine city where residents ate weeds to ...
- news.wnin.org — Trapped by war, Ukrainians survive on weeds and pickles
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Ukraine, Russia agree to local ceasefire in Oleshky
A local ceasefire has been agreed upon in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, where residents have been facing severe shortages of food, water, and electricity. With acute shortages persisting, families have been trapped by ongoing blockades and military attacks, forcing some to survive by eating garden weeds and growing their own vegetables.
Why it matters
Oleshky, located on the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, has been under Russian control since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's pledge to cooperate in delivering vital supplies, the city remains cut off from essential resources. The situation has led to severe starvation and a complete lack of medical and food supplies.
What is confirmed
- People in Russian-occupied Oleshky are facing severe shortages of food, water, and electricity.
- Some residents in Oleshky have reportedly been surviving on weeds.
- Ukraine and Russia have confirmed a truce in Russian-occupied Oleshky.
What to watch next
- Evacuation of civilians from Oleshky
- Delivery of vital supplies to Oleshky
- Implementation of the agreed-upon ceasefire
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.theguardian.com — Russia and Ukraine agree to local ceasefire in Oleshky amid ...
- www.bbc.com — White House says Melania Trump brokers truce for Ukraine city ...
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — War in Ukraine — Evacuation from Russia-occupied Oleshky in ...
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Starving Oleshky Residents Survive on Garden Weeds Under Russian Occupation
Residents in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky face severe starvation and a complete lack of medical and food supplies, forcing civilians to survive by growing their own vegetables and eating garden weeds. The city, located on the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, has been under Russian control since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. While Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to cooperate in delivering vital supplies into the town, acute shortages persist as families remain trapped by ongoing blockades and military attacks.
Why it matters
Moscow forces seized Oleshky on the opening day of the 2022 invasion, cutting off the southern settlement from regular aid corridors. The humanitarian emergency prompted Ukraine to seek mass evacuations of approximately 6,000 residents from Oleshky and neighboring areas facing chronic medication shortages and food rationing. Russian artillery and drone strikes have continuously blocked road transport and relief delivery, forcing desperate civilians to risk dangerous foot journeys across mined terrain.
What is confirmed
- Moscow's forces seized Oleshky on the first day of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Essential food and medical supplies have been virtually non-existent for months in Oleshky.
- Oleshky lies on the Dnipro River separating Ukrainian forces from Russian occupiers in the Kherson region.
Still unconfirmed
- Families in Oleshky are surviving by growing their own vegetables and eating garden weeds.
What to watch next
- Implementation and timeline of the proposed evacuation of 6,000 civilians from Oleshky and six neighboring settlements.
- Actual delivery of vital supplies following Putin's pledge to cooperate on aid deliveries.
- Evidence of safe passage corridors opening through mined roads currently blocking road evacuations.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.independent.co.uk — Trapped civilians in Russian-occupied city in Ukraine face ...
- united24media.com — Exclusive UNITED24 Media: Elderly Couple Escape Russian-Occupied Oleshky Amid Russian Blockade — UNITED24 Media
- www.hindustantimes.com — ‘Hospital out of medicine’, ‘families starving’: Ukraine ...
- orato.world — Ukraine’s Oleshky Starving Under Russian Occupation
- charter97.org — "Families Survive By Growing Their Own Vegetables And Even ...
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Ukraine and Russia finalize evacuation plans for Oleshky civilians
Ukraine and Russia are finalizing details to evacuate approximately 6,000 civilians from occupied Oleshky and six neighboring settlements to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Residents currently face a humanitarian catastrophe characterized by chronic medication shortages and strict food rationing. Constant Russian artillery and drone attacks have blocked road evacuations and the delivery of essential supplies. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, stated on September 16 that desperate residents are attempting to escape the area by walking along mined roads.
Why it matters
Oleshky sits in the Kherson Oblast along the Dnipro River. The city remains under Russian occupation while facing a total collapse of basic infrastructure.
What is confirmed
- Russian drone attacks and artillery shelling have blocked the delivery of food and medicine to Oleshky.
- Residents are rationing remaining food supplies and facing a chronic lack of medication.
Still unconfirmed
- People are walking along mined roads to escape the city.
- The situation in Oleshky is described as a horror movie.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the local ceasefire start date
- Verification of the number of civilians successfully evacuated
- Reports on the delivery of humanitarian aid to the six nearby settlements
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- abcnews.com — 'Like a horror movie': Ukraine's Oleshky faces 'catastrophe' under Russian occupation
- kyivindependent.com — Life in Russian-occupied Oleshky was dire. Now it's 'hell'
- united24media.com — Ukraine, Russia Finalize Evacuation Details for Oleshky and...
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Civilians Risk Mined Roads to Escape Oleshky
Civilians trapped in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky face severe shortages of food, medical supplies, electricity, and heat. Located along the Dnipro River opposite liberated Kherson, the town has endured months of scarcity as residents struggle to survive under Russian control. With roads heavily mined and supplies dwindling, desperate inhabitants risk their lives trying to escape the besieged area or locate basic provisions. The ongoing crisis unfolds as pressure mounts on Ukraine regarding territorial concessions.
Why it matters
Oleshky sits approximately five miles south of Kherson, separated by the Dnipro River and held by Russian forces since 2022. The severe humanitarian crisis highlights the extreme dangers faced by residents under occupation, where basic survival requires navigating hazardous mined routes. The situation remains closely tied to broader geopolitical pressures on Ukraine concerning territorial control.
What is confirmed
- Food and medical supplies have been scarce for months in Oleshky.
- Oleshky sits on the Dnipro River, which separates Ukrainian forces from the city's Russian occupiers.
- There is no electricity and heat in the city.
- Civilians in the occupied Ukrainian town are risking their lives to find food or escape.
Still unconfirmed
- Pressure is mounting on Ukraine to make concessions to Russia, including over its own territory.
What to watch next
- Any changes in the humanitarian access or evacuation corridors permitted through the mined roads
- Further official warnings or policy statements from Ukrainian authorities regarding the situation in Oleshky
- Developments in broader political negotiations concerning territorial concessions involving Russian-held areas
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.2news.com — Desperate civilians risk their lives along mined roads to escape from a Russian-held city
- dnyuz.com — Survivors describe hunger and misery in Oleshky, occupied by ...
- themoscowtimes.substack.com — In Russian-Occupied Oleshky, Civilians Struggle to Survive as ...
- newswav.com — 'People survive on one meal a day': Oleshky official warns ...
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Starving Civilians in Oleshky Face Humanitarian Catastrophe
About 2,000 residents, including 50 children, remain trapped in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky without food, water, electricity, gas, or medicine. Witnesses report that people are forced to boil weeds and eat dogs to survive. A local hospital director reportedly feeds only pro-Russian loyalists. Russian troops have mined and blocked every exit out of the city, and Kremlin authorities refuse to allow evacuations. Meanwhile, Russian forces punish anyone caught accepting food supplies dropped by Ukrainian drones.
Why it matters
The city of Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region has endured Russian occupation since 2022. Infrastructure was devastated in 2023 when the Kakhovka dam was blown up, causing widespread flooding across residential blocks. Fleeing the occupied zone requires traversing a dangerous route known as the road of death.
What is confirmed
- About 2,000 people in Russian-occupied Oleshky, including 50 children, are cut off from food, water, electricity, gas, and medicine.
- Kremlin authorities refuse to allow the evacuation of starving civilians.
- Every way out of Oleshky is mined and blocked by Russian troops.
Still unconfirmed
- Witnesses describe an occupied town where a hospital director feeds only pro-Russian loyalists.
- People in Oleshky are forced to eat dogs to survive.
- Russian troops punish anyone caught accepting Ukrainian aid dropped in by drone.
What to watch next
- Potential international intervention or agreements to establish safe evacuation corridors.
- Changes in the delivery capacity and frequency of Ukrainian drone-supplied food rations.
- Shifts in military control or humanitarian access across the mined routes.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.atlanticcouncil.org — Starving Ukrainians must travel ‘road of death’ to flee ...
- euobserver.com — Trapped under Russian occupation, people in Oleshky forced to eat dogs to survive (Ukraine Battlefield up....
- meduza.io — ‘The smell of death is everywhere’: Inside the humanitarian ...
- www.sitnas.id — Oleshky Cut Off: 2,000 Civilians Lack Food, Water, Medicine
- en.ara.cat — Oleshky, the Ukrainian city occupied by Russia that is ...
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Oleshky residents eat garden weeds to survive under Russian occupation
Around 2,000 civilians in Oleshky face starvation due to a total blockade by Russian forces, cutting off food, water, and electricity. Residents have resorted to eating grass and foraged weeds to survive. Ukrainian forces have used drones to deliver about 4 tonnes of food supplies. The situation is described as critical, with calls for international assistance and safe evacuations.
Why it matters
Oleshky, located on the left bank of the Dnipro River, has been under Russian control since 2022. The city's proximity to the front line and constant attacks have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The blockade has prevented humanitarian aid convoys from reaching the city since May 26, 2026.
What is confirmed
- Oleshky is a city on the left bank of the Dnipro River, across from Kherson on the right bank.
- The bridge connecting Oleshky and Kherson is now closed.
- Residents have turned to eating grass and foraged weeds to survive.
- Ukrainian forces have used drones to deliver roughly 4 tonnes of food supplies.
- The EU has described the humanitarian situation in Oleshky as particularly alarming.
- 12 people reached Ukraine-controlled territory in September.
Still unconfirmed
- People are walking out of Oleshky to the neighboring village of Radensk alone or in pairs on roads mined by Russian forces.
What to watch next
- International response to the crisis
- Delivery of humanitarian aid convoys
- Evacuation of trapped civilians
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- united24media.com — Oleshky Under Russian Occupation: Hunger, Drones, and Mines ...
- meduza.io — A humanitarian crisis is gripping Russian-occupied Oleshky as ...
- www.rferl.org — 'We'll Die This Autumn': Ruined And Flooded, Russian-Occupied Oleshky In Ukraine Starves Under A 'Total Blockade'
- www.rte.ie — MEPs raise plight of civilians trapped in Ukrainian town - RTÉ
- ua.news — EU calls situation in occupied Oleshky particularly alarming ...
- kyivindependent.com — Escape from Oleshky — 12 people reached Ukraine-controlled territory in September, official says
- en.wikipedia.org — Oleshky - Wikipedia
- www.yahoo.com — Life in Russian-occupied Oleshky was dire. Now it's 'hell' -...
- www.bbc.com — Oleshky the front-line city where Ukrainians are trapped - BBC
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Starvation worsens in occupied Oleshky as residents eat weeds
Approximately 2,000 civilians in Russian-occupied Oleshky are facing starvation after a total blockade cut off food, water, and electricity. Residents have turned to eating grass and foraged weeds to survive. No humanitarian aid convoys have reached the city since 26 May 2026. In response to the crisis, Ukrainian forces have used drones to deliver roughly 4 tonnes of food supplies. Sybiha has called for international assistance and safe evacuations for the remaining population.
Why it matters
Oleshky is located in southern Kherson Oblast, only a few kilometers from the Ukrainian-held bank of the Dnipro. The blockade has effectively trapped civilians in a zone where basic supplies are nonexistent.
What is confirmed
- Around 2,000 civilians remain in Russian-occupied Oleshky facing severe food shortages.
- Residents are surviving on foraged weeds and grass.
- No humanitarian aid convoys have reached the city since 26 May 2026.
- Ukrainian forces delivered approximately 4 tonnes of food aid via drones.
- The town is under a total blockade by Russian occupation forces.
Still unconfirmed
- Bodies are being kept in the hospital basement.
- Feral dogs are eating bodies in the town.
- Russian forces are keeping 2,000 people hostage by stalling evacuations.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of safe evacuation corridors for the remaining 2,000 civilians
- Reports on the success or failure of drone-based aid deliveries
- International diplomatic response to the blockade of Oleshky
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- unn.ua — People in the occupied city of Oleshky are starving and ...
- rocketnews.com — ‘Hell on earth’: last residents eat weeds to survive in ...
- www.europesays.com — ‘Hell on earth’: last residents eat weeds to survive in ...
- www.rte.ie — Residents of occupied Ukrainian town face starvation - RTÉ
- www.yacnews.com — Oleshky's last surviving residents eat weeds as Russia ...
- unn.ua — The Guardian reported on the "hell on earth" in occupied ...
- www.ucook.org — ‘We will die’: Oleshky civilians eat weed to survive in ...
- kyivindependent.com — Russia's methodical use of starvation in Oleshky
- www.aljazeera.com — In Russia-occupied Oleshky, Ukrainians face hunger, drones ...
- www.europesays.com — Russian Forces Block Ukrainian Food Deliveries to Occupied ...
- www.yahoo.com — Russia's methodical use of starvation in Oleshky - Yahoo
- neweasterneurope.eu — “Do you know what the Oleshki morgue is?” – What a ...
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Oleshky residents eat garden weeds to survive amid Russian occupation
Residents in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky are eating garden weeds to survive due to a severe blockade that has left them without basic supplies. The situation is dire, with families surviving on one meal a day and facing severe starvation and malnutrition. Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of weaponizing humanitarian access, obstructing efforts to provide aid and safe evacuations.
Why it matters
The town of Oleshky has been under Russian occupation since 2022, resulting in a complete blockade with no food, water, electricity, or gas. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, prompting international appeals and concern from religious leaders and a Swedish musician. Ukraine plans to urge the United Nations to take action over the hunger crisis in the town.
What is confirmed
- Residents of Oleshky are eating garden weeds to survive due to blocked supplies and destroyed infrastructure.
- Families in Oleshky are surviving on one meal a day.
- Around 2,000 civilians, including nearly 50 children, are reportedly stranded in Oleshky.
- Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of weaponizing humanitarian access.
Still unconfirmed
- Bodies are left to be eaten by dogs in Oleshky due to the deadly risk from drones.
What to watch next
- United Nations response to Ukraine's appeal for action on the hunger crisis
- Efforts to provide aid and safe evacuations to Oleshky
- Escalation of international pressure on Russia over the humanitarian situation in Oleshky
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.theguardian.com — ‘Hell on earth’: last residents eat weeds to survive in Russian-occupied Oleshky | Ukraine
- www.yahoo.com — Residents eating garden weeds in Russian-occupied city cut ...
- www.thedailyjagran.com — 'Surviving On Wild Weeds In Hell' Ukraine’s Russia-Occupied ...
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — ‘We will die’: Oleshky civilians eat weed to survive in ...
- rocketnews.com — Oleshky: Eating garden weeds to survive in Russian-occupied ...
- en.reflect.ee — Humanitarian catastrophe in Oleshky: residents are eating ...
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Famine Threatens Occupied Oleshky
Residents in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky are eating garden weeds to survive as the war cuts them off from food and water. Famine now threatens the population due to a severe blockade that has left people without basic supplies. Ukraine plans to urge the United Nations to take action over the hunger crisis in the town. Meanwhile, international appeals are growing as religious leaders and a Swedish musician draw attention to the humanitarian emergency.
Why it matters
The town of Oleshky remains under Russian occupation, isolating its civilian population from humanitarian relief. The severe shortage of food and water has escalated into a threat of famine. Ukrainian authorities and international advocates are now pushing global organizations and faith leaders to intervene.
What is confirmed
- Residents in Russian-occupied Oleshky are eating garden weeds to survive after being cut off from food and water.
- Famine threatens the Ukrainian town of Oleshky due to Russia's war and blockade.
- Ukraine is set to urge the United Nations to take action regarding hunger in the occupied town.
Still unconfirmed
- The Pope and other world faith leaders have been urged to save starving Ukrainian victims of the Russian blockade.
What to watch next
- United Nations response or debate regarding the Oleshky food crisis
- Actions taken by the Pope or other faith leaders following appeals
- Potential humanitarian corridors or relief efforts for the occupied town
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- BBC — Oleshky: Eating garden weeds to survive in Russian-occupied city cut off from food and water
- Reuters — Ukraine to urge UN to take action over hunger in Russian-occupied Oleshky
- dw.com — Famine threatens Ukrainian town of Oleshky as Russia's war cuts residents off from food and supplies
- osvnews.com — Pope, other world faith leaders urged to save starving Ukrainian victims of Russian blockade
- ua.news — A Swedish musician has drawn attention to the humanitarian crisis in the occupied town of Oleshky
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