Humanitarian aid and evacuations begin in Oleshky amidst truce

A convoy consisting of 25 buses, ambulances, and essential supplies is scheduled to arrive in the Russian-occupied city. The mission aims to deliver food and medicine while facilitating the evacuation of residents who wish to relocate to either Russia or Ukraine. Approximately 2,000 people remain in Oleshky, according to local authorities and volunteers.

A localized ceasefire in Ukraine’s Kherson region has been in effect for four days and is expected to continue until Sunday evening. Both Russia and Ukraine released identical statements affirming that all individuals desiring to leave Oleshky will be granted a safe opportunity to do so, and those choosing to stay will receive necessary humanitarian support.

Officials from both Russia and Ukraine are collaborating on this operation, marking a rare joint humanitarian effort. The White House reports that the mission was facilitated by first lady Melania Trump. Pope Leo XIV also urged the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to assist in the Oleshky situation.

Despite the truce in Oleshky, fighting continues elsewhere. Russia’s Defence Ministry reported intercepting over 1,000 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Ukraine’s air force stated that Russia launched ballistic missiles and numerous drones.

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s ombudsman and chief negotiator, indicated that the convoy was assembled in Armyansk, a town in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine located approximately 85km south of Oleshky. Demining operations on designated routes into the city concluded late last night; two fatalities occurred during this process.

The evacuation is scheduled to conclude at 2pm local time, with aid distribution commencing 30 minutes afterward. It remains unclear whether this refers to Ukrainian or western Russian time, which differs by an hour. The specific route for evacuees has not been disclosed. Oleshky is situated near the River Dnipro, across from Ukrainian territory.

Ksenia Arkhipova, a volunteer from Oleshky, stated that roughly 1,000 residents have expressed a desire to leave the city. She emphasized the importance of the Ukrainian delegation’s presence in Oleshky, citing concerns among residents regarding potential interrogation or detention by Russian authorities. A limited number of media outlets from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have been invited to cover the operation.