Oleshky: Aid convoy reaches occupied town – residents allowed to leave
During a rare local ceasefire in the Kherson region, Russia and Ukraine jointly organise an evacuation and aid delivery. Around 2,000 people still live in the town.
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A humanitarian mission reached the devastated, Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region on Friday. The convoy of 25 buses, ambulances, food and medicine was assembled in Armiansk, according to Ukraine's human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets. His Russian counterpart Yana Lantratova spoke of at least 750 seats. According to authorities and volunteers, around 2,000 residents remain in Oleshky, once home to about 24,000 people.
Russia and Ukraine issued identical statements: “Everyone who wishes to leave Oleshky will have the opportunity to do so safely.” Those who stay will receive the humanitarian support they need. Evacuees can go to either Russia or Ukraine. Two people were killed during the demining of the routes, which was completed on Thursday.
The local ceasefire runs until Sunday evening. According to the White House, it was brokered by First Lady Melania Trump, while the Vatican points to the role of Pope Leo XIV. Outside the truce zone fighting continues: Ukraine's air force reported Russian missile and drone attacks, Moscow said it downed more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones.