Evacuation in Russian-occupied Oleshky begins as aid convoy prepares to enter
Ceasefire opens a window
The southern Ukrainian town has been under Russian occupation since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. A temporary ceasefire is due to last until Sunday, and residents started an evacuation on Friday.
The truce was reportedly brokered with efforts from US First Lady Melania Trump. Officials said Moscow and Kyiv were observing their agreements, while the pause allowed aid to be brought in.
Up to 6,000 residents remain in Oleshky and surrounding areas, including about 200 children. They lack regular access to food, water and electricity, and some have reportedly eaten garden weeds and pigeons.
Convoy prepares aid delivery
The convoy was set up in Armyansk, about 50 miles south of Oleshky in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine. It includes passenger buses, ambulances and other vehicles for the aid mission, according to Mr Lubinets.
Reporters from Western countries, Russia and Ukraine were expected to accompany the vehicles. The convoy was due to go to the district hospital, with aid packages to be distributed after residents had a limited period to leave, ending at 2pm local time.
Mr Lubinets said the priority was getting assistance to everyone in need. The White House said people leaving during the ceasefire would receive help and transport to either Ukrainian-controlled territory or Russia.
Safe passage remains disputed
Ukraine appealed last month for international organisations to help deliver aid and arrange evacuations. Russia did not agree to safe access until a humanitarian agreement was announced the previous Friday.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow might selectively remove mines from routes to push residents toward Russia. The operation is intended to address the town’s hardship, while also forming part of broader efforts to demonstrate support for Donald Trump’s peace initiative.
Vladimir Putin said Russia was working on issues related to a possible peaceful resolution, while also saying it was prepared for a potential war with Europe. Russia’s defence ministry said on Friday that its forces had struck military facilities, energy infrastructure, port facilities and cargo vessels in Ukraine.
Key points
- A temporary ceasefire allowed evacuation efforts in Oleshky to begin Friday.
- Up to 6,000 people, including 200 children, remain in the town and surrounding areas.
- A convoy assembled in Armyansk is carrying buses, ambulances and aid vehicles.
- Zelensky warned that evacuation routes could be selectively cleared of mines to direct residents toward Russia.