Humanitarian Convoy Begins Evacuation of Civilians from Besieged Oleshky Under Ceasefire

Oleshky, a city in southern Ukraine, has remained under Russian occupation since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The region faced humanitarian challenges after the Kakhovka dam was destroyed in June 2023, which caused widespread flooding and damaged infrastructure. The region faced humanitarian challenges after the Kakhovka dam was destroyed in June 2023. This event caused widespread flooding and damaged infrastructure. Occupying forces restricted access to essential supplies and mined exit routes. These actions left the remaining population in isolation.

The current evacuation follows diplomatic efforts that began during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026. The White House stated that US First Lady Melania Trump began talks after she learned of the crisis. The Vatican reported that the Pope engaged in discussions with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to secure a pause in fighting. Once home to approximately 24,000 people, the city now lacks electricity, heat, and running water, leaving only about 2,000 residents remaining.

1. The evacuation operation began on October 30, 2026. A convoy of 25 buses and ambulances arrived in the city. These buses provide capacity for 750 people to depart. The convoy offers safe passage out of the besieged city.

2. Russia deployed 50 medical workers to Oleshky to support the humanitarian mission and assist with the evacuation process. The Russian government prepared dozens of tonnes of aid for residents who choose to remain in the city. This aid includes food and medicine.

3. Ukrainian and Russian human rights commissioners have requested that humanitarian missions under the coordination of Melania Trump be conducted on a regular basis.

4. The United Nations provides humanitarian aid to evacuees arriving at the Ukrainian side of the frontline.

1. Volunteer Ksenia Arkhipova reported that Russian military personnel are conducting checks on empty houses in Oleshky. She stated that these forces are pressuring residents to evacuate toward Russia instead of choosing to return to Ukraine.

2. The evacuation operation covers a small number of people. Oleshky now has 2,000 residents, down from 24,000 before the war.

3. The ceasefire agreement is temporary and scheduled to end on the evening of November 1, 2026.