In brief
Under a brief ceasefire in the Kherson region, Ukrainian officials reached Oleshky and began evacuating civilians, with 527 residents expected to return to Ukrainian‑controlled territory via Belarus. Aid, medical care and a commitment from Russian and U.S. officials support the operation, while about 2,000 people remain in the town amid shortages.
A Ukrainian delegation arrived in Oleshky, a frontline town in Kherson, on Thursday and has begun evacuating residents as a temporary ceasefire takes hold. The town sits on the left bank of the Dnieper River and has been controlled by Russia since February 2022.
Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi said 527 people from Oleshky are expected to return to Ukrainian‑controlled territory, traveling through Belarus. Once in Ukraine, evacuees will receive medical examinations, initial care and essential supplies.
David Arakhamia, chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, posted on Telegram that humanitarian aid was being distributed in Oleshky and added,
"The ceasefire remains in effect. Further details will follow,"
He was speaking from the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev.
The humanitarian mission was led by Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets and was made possible by an agreement with Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova, with support and coordination from U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.
About 2,000 people still live in Oleshky, facing shortages of food, medicine and other supplies amid ongoing fighting. The ceasefire is set to remain in effect until 10:59 p.m. Moscow time (1959 GMT) on November 1.
Evacuees must travel first into Russian‑occupied territory before moving to southern Ukraine. Humanitarian workers say aid will continue to flow as long as the ceasefire holds, while authorities coordinate transport and medical services for the displaced.
Ukraine’s effort to evacuate residents from Oleshky demonstrates the fragile cooperation between Russian, Ukrainian and international actors under a short‑term ceasefire, hoping to ease suffering in a heavily contested area.
