Ukrainian civilians have been evacuated from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region after enduring a prolonged humanitarian crisis. The operation was made possible by an agreement on a temporary ceasefire and international mediation, including the involvement of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the operation.
According to Zelenskyy, a temporary ceasefire was established in the Kherson sector, allowing roads leading to Oleshky to be cleared of mines and humanitarian supplies to be delivered. Residents in need of evacuation were transported out of the town and surrounding communities.
The evacuated Ukrainians have already crossed Ukraine’s state border in the Chernihiv region. The president assured that all of them would receive the necessary assistance.
Zelenskyy specifically thanked the United States and First Lady Melania Trump for their mediation in facilitating the humanitarian mission. He also praised Ukraine’s Defense Forces for ensuring the security conditions required for the operation and acknowledged Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and his team for carrying out the mission.
Melania Trump expresses hope for lasting peace in Ukraine
Following the humanitarian operation, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump expressed hope for lasting peace in Ukraine, emphasizing that the evacuation demonstrated the possibility of putting humanitarian concerns above war.
“Oleshky proves that we can elevate humanity above war. Together, we can build a peaceful planet, a world of promise for our children,” the First Lady wrote.
Survivors endured repeated attacks and months of isolation
According to Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets, the oldest person rescued is 94 years old, while the youngest is just over one year old.
Among those evacuated was a family trapped inside a building severely damaged by shelling. The father, who had health problems, was unable to descend from the eighth floor because the staircase had been destroyed. The family was effectively cut off from food and water.
Another rescued man survived 16 Russian drone attacks and four missile strikes on his home. One explosion occurred just one meter from the wall of his house.
The evacuation also included residents’ pets — dogs, cats, a parrot, and even a raccoon.
One of the rescued women is set to celebrate her 49th birthday the following day, spending it in safety for the first time in a long while.
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Zelenskyy expressed hope that humanitarian access to Oleshky would be maintained and that international efforts would allow further evacuations and additional steps toward de-escalation.
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