Via Russia and Belarus: Evacuated Residents of Oleshky Reach Ukraine

This afternoon, Saturday, October 31, residents evacuated from the temporarily occupied Oleshky in Kherson Oblast arrived in territory controlled by Ukraine in Chernihiv Oblast. Ukrainian medical workers, volunteers, and relatives were there to meet them at the border.

A total of more than 750 people were evacuated from the city in a humanitarian convoy. Most chose to travel to territory controlled by Ukraine, while some opted to go to Russia. The oldest evacuee is 94 years old; the youngest is just over a year old.

Tents serving hot meals and tea were set up at the border for those arriving. People could also get help for children and pets there. A medical team was on duty to examine people and provide assistance if needed.

Andriy Zhydenko, Director General of Chernihiv Regional Hospital, explained that evacuees would first undergo a medical examination. If there was no threat to their lives, they would be referred to medical facilities or to relatives.

The return of the residents was preceded by a humanitarian mission mediated by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. To facilitate it, a ceasefire was introduced near the occupied city on October 27. It is due to remain in effect until 10:59 p.m. on November 1. The mission aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians and prepare for the evacuation.

Later, the ceasefire zone was extended beyond the city limits to allow humanitarian convoys to pass safely.

On October 30, a Ukrainian delegation led by Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets arrived in Oleshky. Ukrainian and American journalists also came with the delegation to provide independent coverage of the humanitarian operation.

The evacuation convoy included:

• 25 buses;
• 50 medical workers;
• ambulances.

The evacuation of residents and distribution of humanitarian aid began in the city. That same evening, the Ukrainian delegation, together with residents who had left the occupied city during the evacuation, set out for the Russian city of Anapa. From there, they were flown to Gomel in Belarus. They covered the next part of the journey by bus, crossing into Ukraine at the Nova Huta border crossing.

Among those waiting for loved ones was Daria, who had come to meet her father, who had remained under occupation. She said food shortages in Oleshky began immediately after the Russian occupation. The situation has now become critical: food supplies have virtually stopped, and homes have no electricity, water, or gas.

Her father had relied on his own vegetable garden to survive. Solar panels provided electricity, but they worked effectively only in good weather.

Keeping in touch with relatives was difficult because there was no mobile service. At times, the man managed to pick up a signal by a window and send his loved ones photos and videos.

Rescued pets were also brought with the residents to territory controlled by Ukraine. People were delighted to be back and reunited with their families.

We previously reported:

• Newsmax journalists to document humanitarian mission in occupied Oleshky
• A hunger strike for Oleshky: European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno calls for a humanitarian ceasefire
• About 23 kilometers on foot: family with a child escapes occupied Oleshky
• 21 Ukrainians return from occupation: three families from Kherson Oblast stay together
• Occupied Oleshky: evacuation lists compiled as plans to open a route are discussed