KHERSON, Ukraine (AP) – In a notable humanitarian effort, some residents have begun evacuating from the Russia-occupied region of Oleshky, with hopes of reaching Ukrainian-held areas. This evacuation occurred on the fourth day of a significant ceasefire, the most important one since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine commenced over four and a half years ago. Ukrainian lawmaker Davyd Arakhamia announced the developments on Friday.
The evacuees are being transported by bus to Anapa, a city in southern Russia, before flying to Belarus, eventually crossing into northern Ukraine. Arakhamia, representing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party, emphasized the coordinated effort to aid those seeking to escape the conflict.
Earlier on Friday, a humanitarian convoy consisting of 25 buses and ambulances was sent to Oleshky to deliver essential supplies such as food and medicine, as well as to facilitate the evacuation of residents. About 2,000 individuals remain in Oleshky, according to local authorities and volunteers. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, confirmed that a humanitarian operation is actively underway in the city, although he is not directly part of the delegation overseeing it.
This humanitarian initiative marks a rare collaboration between Russian and Ukrainian officials amid a prolonged war. The localized ceasefire affecting Ukraine’s southern Kherson region is expected to last until Sunday evening. Notably, the United States played a vital role in coordinating this mission. The White House revealed that First Lady Melania Trump was influential in brokering the ceasefire and organizing the humanitarian effort. Additionally, Pope Leo XIV also urged both nations' leaders to allow for aid deliveries and safe evacuations of civilians.
Officials from both Russia and Ukraine issued statements ensuring that all individuals wishing to leave Oleshky would have the opportunity to do so securely. They reassured that those opting to stay would receive the necessary humanitarian assistance.
Despite the ongoing evacuation efforts, fighting continues elsewhere in Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that they had intercepted over 1,000 Ukrainian drones overnight, while the Ukrainian Air Force claimed that Russia had launched various ballistic and drone attacks.
Concerns about the evacuation's safety have been voiced by residents. The humanitarian convoy was assembled in Armiansk, located in Russian-occupied Crimea, approximately 85 kilometers (55 miles) south of Oleshky. Demining operations on the routes leading into the city had been completed shortly before the evacuation, though tragically, two individuals lost their lives during this process.
Reports from the region indicate a significant presence of Russian military personnel in Oleshky. Ksenia Arkhipova, a volunteer with ties to the area, mentioned that these troops were inspecting vacant homes, and in some instances, occupying them. She also noted that local residents faced pressure to evacuate towards Russia rather than Ukrainian territory.
Arkhipova highlighted that around 1,000 Oleshky residents had expressed their desire to leave, underscoring the importance of the Ukrainian delegation's presence during the evacuation to alleviate fears of possible interrogation or detention by Russian authorities.
The specifics of the evacuation route remain undisclosed, yet Ukrainian-held areas are situated a mere few kilometers across the Dnipro River from Oleshky. Local media has suggested that those evacuating to Ukrainian-controlled territory might have to navigate a significantly extended journey through Russia and Belarus before finally entering Ukraine.
A select number of media outlets from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have been invited to cover the operation in Oleshky, highlighting the unusual nature of this humanitarian collaboration amidst the surrounding conflict.
