Thousands of Ukrainian residents stranded in a Russian-occupied city have been evacuated through a humanitarian escort corridor. This operation represents a significant measure of cooperation between Russian and Ukrainian officials since the war began. The evacuation took place in Oleshky, located in Ukraine’s Kherson region, as the area faced famine conditions with winter approaching.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner, expressed gratitude to Melania Trump for raising awareness about the plight of Oleshky’s residents during discussions between the US and Russia. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also acknowledged her efforts. Trump’s call for a humanitarian ceasefire was echoed by the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV emphasized the urgent need for a truce to allow food and medical aid to reach civilians and facilitate their safe evacuation.
Trump noted that all elements of the convoy, including the safe passageway in and out of Oleshky, were established through mutual agreement between Russian and Ukrainian leaders. Yana Lantratova, Russia’s human rights commissioner, stated that the evacuation unfolded without incidents and both sides recognized the high level of organization involved.
A ceasefire around Oleshky was put into effect by Russia in coordination with Ukraine. Lubinets visited Crimea to oversee the evacuation, marking a significant moment as it was the first time a Ukrainian official entered Russian-occupied areas. The evacuation involved transporting people and their pets across the Crimean Peninsula to Anapa, a Russian city on the Black Sea. From there, they boarded planes that flew through Russian airspace to Gomel, Belarus, near the border with Ukraine. Upon arrival, they received a warm welcome from villagers waving Ukrainian flags and offering refreshments. Aid organizations, including the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, were present to assist the evacuees.
Lubinets expressed hope that the truce in Oleshky could inspire similar efforts elsewhere. He mentioned that he and Lantratova are exploring opportunities for further humanitarian initiatives to help more people.
Reports indicated that around 750 individuals, along with various pets, managed to leave the city. Some residents chose to remain behind, and both Lantratova and Lubinets communicated that many residents opted to stay in Oleshky for various reasons. More coordination is necessary to provide aid to those individuals. The city has suffered extensive damage from fighting, leaving critical services like heating, sewage, water, and electricity severely affected, with landmines posing additional dangers.
Following the truce, fresh negotiations are planned to take place in Abu Dhabi in November. The Pope expressed hope that the cooperation observed during this humanitarian act would encourage dialogue and lead to further peace initiatives.
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Source: Good News Network, by Andy Corbley