Ceasefire enables evacuation of residents from occupied Ukrainian town

Ukrainian authorities reported that Oleshky exhausted its food and medical resources in September, and residents have struggled to access electricity, gas, and other necessities. The situation has drawn international concern, prompting calls for intervention.

Reports indicate that residents have been scavenging for food and facing the grim reality of uncollected bodies in the streets. A temporary ceasefire, brokered by first lady Melania Trump, went into effect on Tuesday and has extended across the Kherson region, also providing some respite from Russian drone attacks on Kherson, the Ukrainian-controlled regional capital. The truce is scheduled to expire on Sunday.

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s ombudsman, traveled to Oleshky, marking the first time a high-profile Ukrainian official has openly visited occupied territory under Russian control since the war began. He was accompanied by his Russian counterpart, Yana Lantratova, and the two were seen interacting with local residents. “We are in Oleshky,” Lubinets stated. “People who want to go to the territory of the Russian Federation are gathering here, and there are people who want to leave for the territory of Ukraine. Everyone will be provided with such an opportunity.”

The evacuation is expected to commence in the early afternoon local time, utilizing 25 buses with a combined capacity of 750 seats. The buses will transport evacuees through Crimea, Russia, and Belarus, with an anticipated arrival at the Ukrainian border on Saturday. Videos released by Lubinets’ office depict him greeting residents and discussing the options for those choosing to remain, assuring them that humanitarian aid will be provided.

Approximately 40% of Oleshky’s pre-war population of roughly 24,000 managed to flee to Ukrainian-controlled territories earlier in the conflict. While thousands have since escaped, many remained due to the increasingly dangerous conditions. Oleshky holds strategic importance for Russia’s military operations, situated near the Dnipro River opposite Ukrainian positions, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of mining escape routes to prevent residents from leaving.