Oleshky Evacuees and Aid Delegation Cross Border Into Ukraine
The convoy used a temporary ceasefire to move civilians through Russia and Belarus, with organizers saying more than 750 people could be evacuated.
- On Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, a humanitarian operation successfully returned trapped Ukrainian citizens from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky to the Chernihiv region. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the milestone on Telegram, confirming the convoy reached sovereign territory from Belarus.
- The mission utilized 25 buses with a total capacity of 750 passengers, transporting citizens through Russian-occupied Crimea to Anapa. Four Russian charter aircraft flew the group to Gomel, Belarus, before the final overland transit into Ukraine.
- Negotiations led by Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets and Russian counterpart Yana Lantratova facilitated the operation. The mission, which included mediation support from First Lady Melania Trump, operated under a localized silence regime to ensure safe passage.
- Upon arrival in Chernihiv, emergency teams provided medical and psychological assistance to the returnees. Recognizing that many residents evacuated with pets, organizers established a dedicated station with veterinary supplies and specialized feed to support domestic animals.
- Emergency authorities provided specialized equipment, including mobility kits, to support elderly individuals and people with disabilities who endured months of military occupation. This comprehensive reception effort ensures returning citizens receive necessary care immediately after re-entering government-controlled territory.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Civilians reach Ukraine after Oleshky evacuation backed by Pope and US First Lady
Hundreds of civilians have been evacuated from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky under a rare humanitarian ceasefire. Some have reached Ukrainian-controlled territory after an extraordinary journey through Russia and Belarus, while others travelled to Russian-held areas. The operation followed diplomatic efforts involving Pope Leo XIV and U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.Read all
"Ukraine citizens from Oleshky crossed the Ukrainian border in the Chernihiv region. They will receive all the assistance they need" (ANSA)
AGI - The oldest is 94 years old and the smallest is just a year old in the group of those evacuated from the Oleshky catastrophe, arrived on the territory controlled by Ukraine thanks to the longest truce ever respected since the beginning of the war. The group was evacuated through Belarus, thanks to a cease-fire humanitarian, mediated by the American first lady Melania Trump, and asked by the Pope directly to Vladimir Putin. Stretched and wra…
The residents of Oleşki, a city occupied by Russia, spent Saturday, October 31, in the territory controlled by Ukraine, after a 19-hour road, and President Volodimir Zelenski announced that the mission was successfully completed. The oldest of the evacuees is 94 years old, and the youngest is less than a year old. People have made a long way through Russia and Belarus.
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