Ukrainian and Russian officials coordinated the evacuation of 750 residents from Russian-occupied Oleshky, facilitated by a humanitarian ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump. The evacuation, which followed a rare ceasefire in the Kherson region, allowed residents to leave the devastated town for either Russia or Ukraine.
The evacuation involved 25 buses and ambulances, with residents given a four-hour window to depart. Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and Russian counterpart Yana Lantratova traveled to Oleshky to oversee the process, ensuring safe passage for evacuees. Both officials emphasized the importance of cooperation in facilitating the humanitarian mission.
The ceasefire, the longest since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, enabled the road out of Oleshky to be demined. Residents who chose to stay would receive humanitarian assistance, while those leaving would travel through Belarus to reach Ukraine. The evacuation highlighted the complex coordination required to ensure safe and orderly movement of civilians during a conflict.
Some residents opted to remain in Oleshky despite the ongoing challenges, with officials confirming that those who stayed would receive necessary support. The evacuation underscored the role of international diplomacy in facilitating humanitarian efforts, though tensions remained due to the occupation and the ongoing conflict.