Civilians Evacuated from Occupied Oleshky in Longest Local Ceasefire Since 2022

Civilians from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky crossed into Ukrainian territory in the Chernihiv region in what represents the largest coordinated humanitarian evacuation since the full-scale war began in 2022.

The operation took place under a six-day local ceasefire, the longest of its kind since the Russian invasion, mediated by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Francis.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced via X that Ukrainian citizens from Oleshky had crossed the border, thanking the United States and the First Lady for their mediation, adding: "Additional steps toward de-escalation and real progress toward peace are also necessary."

Oleshky's pre-war population was approximately 24,000, declining to an estimated 1,700 people before the evacuation. Clashes and drone strikes cut off supply routes, and according to some residents, food distribution stopped in May, forcing hundreds to face starvation.

One evacuee, an elderly man in a wheelchair, told Reuters he had lost 20 kilograms over the past year. Another evacuee, Svetlana Yermakova, recounted that they "cut grass and zucchini... just to survive," and that she risked traveling by bicycle through minefields to bring food.

Residents were forced to travel by bus through the Crimean Peninsula to the Russian city of Anapa, then fly to Belarus, and from there cross into Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian officials greeted the evacuees with signs reading "You are not alone" and "We embrace you with our hearts."

Russian and Ukrainian officials confirmed that the ceasefire in Oleshky had held since Tuesday. The ceasefire ends Sunday evening, while Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging drone strikes along other sections of the front lines. Some residents decided to remain in Oleshky despite the absence of gas, electricity, and water.

Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova described living conditions in occupied Oleshky as "still difficult," affirming continued cooperation with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Lubinets to assist those who chose to stay. She wrote on Telegram: "The mission is complete. We agreed to implement regular humanitarian missions, which is a step of utmost importance."