The successful humanitarian operation in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky could pave the way for a broader ceasefire and further progress in peace negotiations, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.
According to Sybiha, if an agreement to halt fighting can be reached in one part of the front line, the same approach could be applied across Ukraine. Kyiv is ready to take that step and expects Russia to demonstrate the same willingness.
The foreign minister confirmed that Ukrainian civilians evacuated from Oleshky had crossed into Ukraine through the Chernihiv region. After months of hunger and isolation under Russian occupation, they are finally safe. Ukraine also insists that those who remain in the city must have unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance.
Sybiha highlighted the mediation efforts of the United States and First Lady Melania Trump. He also thanked Pope Leo XIV, international partners and Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets for helping make the operation possible.
The minister recalled that Ukraine had spent months raising international awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, including during meetings of the United Nations Security Council.
Sybiha said the mission demonstrated that agreements remain possible even during wartime. Ukraine has fulfilled its commitments and hopes the operation will help build confidence and open the door to further steps toward peace.
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