Evacuation and aid distribution begin in Russian-occupied Oleshky
Residents are being evacuated and humanitarian aid is being handed out in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city in Ukraine's Kherson region. The work is taking place during a temporary truce set up for the mission.
Evacuation of civilians and distribution of humanitarian aid have begun in Oleshky, a city in Ukraine's southern Kherson region that is occupied by Russia. The start was announced by Russian Ombudsperson Yana Lantratova and by Davyd Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. The operation is taking place during a truce agreed by both sides for this humanitarian mission.
What is happening in the city
Lantratova wrote on her Telegram channel that some people are gathering to leave for Russian-held territory, while others want to go to Ukrainian-held territory. According to her, everyone will get the chance, and people are gradually boarding a bus. The video she posted was deleted soon afterward.
Arakhamia said the Ukrainian delegation had arrived in Oleshky safely and that both the evacuation and the aid distribution were under way. Ukrainian Ombudsperson Dmytro Lubinets posted a video confirming that he is in the city. He said the truce had been in effect for 80 hours and was continuing, and that he was speaking with residents to learn what help is needed most urgently.
How many want to leave
Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi told parliament that 527 Oleshky residents want to move to Ukraine. The Russian side has not yet published figures on how many people wish to relocate to Russia.
Terms of the truce
Russia and Ukraine stopped hostilities in Oleshky for the humanitarian mission. The arrangement was reportedly brokered by U.S. first lady Melania Trump. The truce took effect on the morning of October 27 and will remain in force until late in the evening on November 1.
