In brief
On 30 October, a Ukrainian delegation reached Oleshky in Kherson and started evacuating residents, with 527 people expected to return to Ukrainian-held territory via Belarus. The operation, coordinated with Russian human rights officials and supported by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, occurs under a temporary ceasefire that will expire on Nov. 1.
On Friday, 30 October, a Ukrainian delegation arrived in the frontline town of Oleshky in the Kherson region and began evacuating its residents, according to a statement from the Ukrainian parliament.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi, citing Interfax‑Ukraine, said that 527 people from Oleshky were expected to return to Ukrainian‑controlled territory. The evacuees would cross the border from Belarus, undergo medical examinations, receive initial care, and be provided with essential supplies and accommodation in Ukraine.
Humanitarian Mission to Oleshky
Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets led the delegation, which left for Oleshky on Thursday. Lubinets explained that the mission was made possible by an agreement with Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova, and was facilitated with the support and coordination of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.
David Arakhamia, chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, posted on Telegram that humanitarian aid was being distributed in the town and added:
The ceasefire remains in effect. Further details will follow.
Oleshky, which sits on the left bank of the Dnieper River, has been under Russian control since February 2022. The town faces a humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies amid continuous fighting, according to Ukrainian officials. About 2,000 people remain in the town as the evacuation unfolds.
The temporary ceasefire, agreed upon to facilitate aid deliveries and civilian evacuations, is scheduled to remain in effect until 10:59 p.m. Moscow time (19:59 GMT) on 1 November, according to the Russian side.
