Tearful Reunions as Ukrainian Evacuees from Oleshky Reach Safety After Grueling Journey

Starved and exhausted residents of the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky have successfully crossed into Ukraine as part of a significant humanitarian evacuation operation. This marks the first humanitarian truce of its kind in over four years of conflict. The six-day ceasefire, specifically for the town of Oleshky, was facilitated through mediation efforts by US First Lady Melania Trump and with assistance from Pope Leo XIV. This period represents the longest local pause in fighting since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on X, "Ukrainian citizens from Oleshky have crossed the Ukrainian border in the Chernihiv region. All of them will receive the assistance they need." He extended his gratitude to the United States and the First Lady for their mediation role, adding, "Further steps toward de-escalation and real progress toward peace are also needed."

Evacuees, many wrapped in blue and yellow Ukrainian flags, disembarked from buses at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, where they were reunited with eagerly awaiting family members. Ukrainian officials greeted the arrivals with posters bearing messages such as "You’re not alone" and "We embrace with our hearts." Residents from neighboring villages also lined the highway, waving flags and using flashlights to welcome them.

The disruption of supply routes to Oleshky due to fighting and drone activity had led to severe shortages. Some residents reported that food deliveries ceased in May, pushing hundreds into starvation. One evacuee, an elderly man in a wheelchair, shared with Reuters that he had lost 20kg (44lbs) over the past year, becoming so weak he required hospitalization. Another evacuee, Svitlana Yermakova, recounted the harrowing experience of having to consume grass for survival, stating, "We chopped grass and squash… just to hold on." She also described risking bicycle journeys through minefields to a nearby village to procure food for herself and her dog.

The route to reach Ukrainian-held territory from Oleshky was complex. Residents first traveled by bus through Crimea to the Russian town of Anapa, then flew to Belarus, before finally crossing into Ukraine. Ambulances were stationed along the route, and large military tents were set up to provide hot meals, tea, and medical assistance.

Both Russian and Ukrainian officials confirmed that the ceasefire in Oleshky had been holding since Tuesday, enabling de-mining operations and the delivery of essential supplies. The truce was scheduled to conclude on Sunday evening.

Despite the dire conditions, some residents opted to remain in Oleshky, facing ongoing shortages of gas, electricity, and running water. Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova acknowledged the difficult living conditions and pledged to continue working with her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Lubinets, to assist those who stayed. "The mission has come to an end," Lantratova stated on Telegram. "We have agreed to carry out regular humanitarian missions, which is a very important step."

Oleshky, which had a pre-war population of approximately 24,000, saw its numbers dwindle to an estimated 1,700 before the evacuation. Ukrainian officials have not disclosed the exact number of residents evacuated or those who remain. Meanwhile, fighting persists in other areas of the front line, with both Russia and Ukraine continuing drone attacks.