Hundreds evacuated from Russian-occupied Oleshky during rare Ukraine ceasefire — SkimNews
Get the Geopolitics newsletter
Daily geopolitics — wars, elections, sanctions, the diplomatic moves that move markets. Free.
- Oleshky residents evacuated by plane after Russian and Ukrainian authorities agreed a humanitarian pause, with flights landing in Gomel, Belarus, and buses due to carry them into Ukraine's Chernihiv region; a 25-bus convoy and ambulances were arranged for up to 750 people during Friday's four-hour exit window.
- Kherson's ceasefire began Tuesday and was scheduled through Sunday, November 1, demining Oleshky's road and creating the longest and most widespread frontline pause since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
- Melania Trump said the safe passageway was mutually agreed by Russian and Ukrainian leaders, while Yana Lantratova and Dmytro Lubinets asked her to coordinate recurring humanitarian missions.
- Dmytro Lubinets became the first Ukrainian official since the full-scale invasion to visit Russian-occupied territory, traveling to Oleshky from occupied Crimea with Yana Lantratova; his appearance alongside Russia's representative drew criticism in Ukraine.
- Hundreds of Oleshky residents stayed despite widespread devastation and the absence of gas, electricity and running water; one resident cited her animals, while older relatives refused to leave and one father reconsidered after the birth of his grandchild.
- Russia prepared dozens of tonnes of food, medicine, hygiene products and generator fuel for residents who remained, while Yana Lantratova said the evacuation proceeded without incidents and with a high level of organisation.
- Kherson residents welcomed the pause but said it gave Russia time to build up its military presence on the Dnipro; the Kremlin said the Oleshky ceasefire did not indicate willingness to extend the truce elsewhere.
Why it matters: For Oleshky residents, the four-hour window and 25-bus convoy created a route out of a town without gas, electricity or running water, yet several hundred stayed, citing animals, family ties and a refusal to leave. The operation delivered a safe passage, and Russia separately prepared aid for those who stayed.
Ask SkimNews
