Zelensky: Russians may demine Oleshky roads so residents head toward Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with the TV programme "TSN-Tyzhden" that he expects Russian occupation forces to demine roads in the temporarily occupied city of Oleshky, in Ukraine's Kherson region, in a way that sends residents toward Russia. The demining is tied to an upcoming humanitarian operation, during which a ceasefire is planned. The city is in a severe humanitarian crisis.

Zelensky's assessment

According to the president, Russia will do everything to clear the roads so that people go in the direction of Russia and stay there. He said the Russians will not agree to simply let people go without conditions. Even so, he believes some residents will in one way or another be evacuated to Ukrainian-controlled territory.

The president stressed that the main thing is to unblock the people who are trapped so they can live. He hopes they will be able to reach their goal and evacuate to Ukraine, which he said would provide them with everything and support them.

Background

The general staffs of Ukraine and Russia announced on Friday evening that a ceasefire would take effect in a designated area from the night of 27 October for a humanitarian operation in occupied Oleshky. The White House said US First Lady Melania Trump had secured the truce. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia had agreed to the ceasefire.

Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian parliament's human rights commissioner, said the humanitarian operation will take place on 29 October. He also asked people to report to the ombudsman's office about residents of Oleshky who need help. Zelensky had earlier voiced hope that US mediation to unblock the city would work, but said the situation remains difficult because Russian forces have mined the roads.