The short version
- Evacuees from Oleshky arrived in Belarus on Saturday morning following a humanitarian ceasefire that facilitated the removal of mines from evacuation routes.
- Approximately 750 residents departed via bus convoy, while several hundred individuals decided to stay in the war-torn city despite severe infrastructure failures.
- The operation involved cooperation between Ukrainian and Russian human rights officials, a move that has drawn criticism from some within Ukraine regarding engagement with occupying forces.
Residents evacuated from the heavily damaged city of Oleshky have arrived in Belarus, marking the completion of a complex humanitarian extraction effort. The evacuees landed in the city of Gomel on Saturday morning aboard four aircraft, according to reports from Belarusian state media and senior Ukrainian government officials. Authorities indicate that these individuals are expected to cross back into Ukrainian territory later on Saturday. This movement represents a significant logistical achievement following years of intense combat in the region.
The evacuation was made possible by a localized ceasefire in the Kherson frontline area, which took effect on Tuesday. This pause in hostilities provided the first period of sustained peace in the zone since Russia’s invasion began in 2022. The temporary truce allowed engineers to clear mines from the roads leading out of Oleshky, creating a safe corridor for civilians. The ceasefire is scheduled to remain in place until the end of Sunday, November 1. US First Lady Melania Trump is credited with brokering this local agreement.
On Friday afternoon, a convoy consisting of twenty-five buses departed Oleshky. The vehicles had capacity for approximately 750 people and were accompanied by ambulances designed to assist residents with limited mobility. Civilians were given a strict four-hour window to board the transport before departure. The route required travelers to first move through Russian-controlled territory, including Crimea, before reaching the southern Russian city of Anapa. From there, they boarded planes for the flight to Belarus.
Despite the widespread destruction and critical shortages of gas, electricity, and running water in Oleshky, several hundred residents chose not to evacuate. Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets stated on Friday that those remaining in the city would receive necessary humanitarian assistance. Russia announced it had prepared dozens of tonnes of aid for these residents, including food, medical supplies, hygiene products, and fuel for generators. The decision to stay reflects a complex mix of factors among the population.
The operation required direct coordination between Ukrainian and Russian officials, a dynamic that has sparked controversy within Ukraine. Lubinets traveled to Oleshky alongside Yana Lantratova, his Russian counterpart, departing from Armiansk in occupied Crimea. This marks the first time a Ukrainian official has visited Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine since the war began. Lubinets defended the collaboration as essential for saving lives, emphasizing the practical necessity of working with local authorities to facilitate the exit.
However, the visible cooperation between Lubinets and Lantratova has drawn sharp criticism from some sectors in Ukraine. Observers have expressed discomfort at seeing a Ukrainian representative standing beside an official from the occupying power, which is responsible for significant casualties and harsh living conditions in the city. The tension highlights the difficult political realities of humanitarian diplomacy in active conflict zones, where operational success often requires engagement with adversaries.
Ukrainian military positions remain close to Oleshky, situated just five kilometers from the city center. This proximity underscores the danger faced by those who remained behind. The evacuation route through occupied territory and into Russia before reaching Belarus illustrates the fragmented nature of control in the region. The involvement of Belarus as a transit point adds another layer of geopolitical complexity to the humanitarian effort.
As the ceasefire nears its expiration, attention turns to the long-term implications for Oleshky. The city remains devastated, with infrastructure largely non-functional. The departure of hundreds of residents leaves behind a smaller population facing continued hardship. International observers will likely monitor whether the aid promised by Russian authorities reaches those who stayed and how the temporary peace affects broader military dynamics in Kherson.
The successful extraction of 750 people demonstrates that localized ceasefires can yield tangible humanitarian benefits even amidst prolonged warfare. Yet, the controversy surrounding official cooperation suggests that such operations carry significant political costs. The situation in Oleshky serves as a microcosm of the wider conflict, where immediate human needs intersect with deep-seated national security concerns and diplomatic sensitivities.
Further developments are expected as the evacuated citizens re-enter Ukrainian-controlled territory. Authorities will need to address their immediate needs for shelter, medical care, and psychological support. Meanwhile, the fate of those who remained in Oleshky remains uncertain, dependent on the durability of the aid supply and the potential resumption of hostilities after Sunday.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Evacuated Ukrainians from Russian-occupied Oleshky arrive in Belarus
