By Basant El-Faramawy
Residents of the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky began evacuating on Friday as a localized ceasefire entered its third day. A fleet of 25 buses with at least 750 seats was deployed to transport civilians, while an aid convoy prepared to deliver supplies to those remaining, according to Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and his Russian counterpart Yana Lantratova.
Ceasefire and Mediation
The temporary ceasefire, set to last until Sunday, was reportedly brokered with involvement from U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. Both ombudsmen confirmed that Moscow and Kyiv were adhering to the agreement, which allows residents to leave for either Ukrainian-controlled territory or Russia until 2 p.m. local time. The convoy, staged in the town of Armyansk about 50 miles south of Oleshky, includes ambulances and vehicles for aid distribution after the evacuation window closes.
Humanitarian Situation
Up to 6,000 people, including 200 children, remain in Oleshky and surrounding areas, where regular food, water, and electricity supplies have been cut off since January. Many residents have resorted to cooking garden weeds and pigeons to survive. Ukraine appealed to international organizations last month for aid delivery and evacuations, but Russia only agreed to safe access after the humanitarian agreement was announced last Friday.
Demining and Casualties
Demining operations around the town were completed on Thursday, enabling the humanitarian operation to proceed. However, two people were killed during the demining effort, Lantratova said on Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia could selectively clear routes to steer evacuees toward Russian territory.
Broader Diplomatic Context
The evacuation and aid mission coincide with U.S.-mediated peace talks scheduled to resume next month in Abu Dhabi. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Russia is working on a peaceful resolution but also warned of readiness for a potential war with Europe. Meanwhile, Russian strikes continued elsewhere in Ukraine, hitting an industrial facility near Kremenchuk, Kyiv, and Kharkiv on Thursday and Friday, while Russian air defenses reported downing more than 850 drones targeting Moscow overnight.
