Ukraine evacuates civilians from Oleshky as ceasefire nears end amid ongoing military tensions in Kherson region
A six-day ceasefire was facilitated by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo.
It is the longest local ceasefire since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Ceasefire update
Evacuees included 22 children and 21 individuals requiring special assistance.
Kherson’s governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, warned residents about the danger as the ceasefire ended.
He urged people to avoid “red zones” near the Dnipro River due to high-risk strikes.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented positively on the operation’s coordination in Oleshky.
The Pope expressed hope that this cooperation could lead to broader peace efforts.
Melania Trump stated the ceasefire allowed residents necessary access to resources and safety.
On Saturday, residents left Oleshky, navigating a complex route to safety in Ukraine.
Some of them first traveled to Crimea before flying to Belarus and then to Ukraine.
Convoys comprised 25 buses and nine ambulances, splitting between those traveling to Russia and Ukraine.
It’s unclear how many chose to remain in Oleshky.
The ceasefire has reportedly held without violations since Tuesday, allowing humanitarian aid into the town.
Though the ceasefire was in place, military actions persisted in other parts of Ukraine.
Recent reports indicated fatalities from strikes in regions such as Sumy and Vinnytsia.
