By Fatma Younis
A landmark evacuation and humanitarian aid mission began Friday in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky during a localized ceasefire brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and facilitated with the involvement of Pope Leo XIV. Ukrainian officials described the operation as one of the most significant pauses in fighting since Russia's full-scale invasion began more than four-and-a-half years ago.
Ceasefire Details and Evacuation Operation
The ceasefire was announced on October 23 and took effect Tuesday, with a scheduled expiration at 10:59 p.m. Sunday Kyiv time. Designated routes into the city have been cleared of mines. A convoy of 25 buses with a total capacity of 750 passengers, nine ambulances, and more than 50 medical professionals were prepared to help residents leave, according to Russia's human rights commissioner, Yana Lantratova. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, confirmed Ukrainian representatives were on the ground and said the ceasefire had lasted more than 80 hours as of Friday.
Resident Concerns and Route Complications
Despite the humanitarian opening, some residents expressed fear about the planned escape route, which runs through Russia and its ally Belarus to reach Ukrainian-controlled territory across the Dnipro River. Oleshky's pre-invasion population of over 20,000 has dwindled to an estimated 2,000, with those remaining surviving on minimal supplies since services deteriorated sharply in May.
Broader Conflict Continues
Any optimism from the localized truce was tempered by continued Russian missile strikes on other Ukrainian cities overnight. Ukraine's air force reported strikes on 17 locations, while air defenses shot down or suppressed 96 drones and three missiles. Separately, drone manufacturer Fire Point said Ukrainian FP-1 drones struck the Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery in Russia's Samara region.
Diplomatic Efforts and Precedent
Pope Leo XIV called Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16 to express "deep concern" and urge a pause for evacuations and aid. The First Lady's office said she learned of Oleshky's plight during a United Nations gathering in September and used contacts from her efforts to reunite Ukrainian children with families to help broker the truce. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the arrangement could serve as a blueprint for future humanitarian ceasefires, praising the "direct, highly positive, and coordinating involvement of the American side."
