Residents of Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city in Ukraine, began evacuating on Friday as a humanitarian convoy arrived under a temporary truce. The convoy, consisting of 25 buses, ambulances, and aid trucks, marks the first major evacuation effort since Russia’s full-scale invasion four and a half years ago. Over 2,000 residents, many of whom had survived for months without electricity, gas, or running water, boarded buses to leave the city.
The evacuation was enabled by a ceasefire brokered by Melania Trump, who expressed hope that the mission would bring lasting peace. The convoy included both Russian and Ukrainian officials, signaling a rare collaboration in the conflict. Aid deliveries and evacuations are ongoing, with residents traveling toward Ukrainian-held territory.
The situation in Oleshky has been dire. For five months, residents were forced to eat grass and weeds due to a lack of food and supplies. Escape routes were cut off, leaving the population in desperate conditions. The humanitarian operation is seen as a critical step toward alleviating suffering and restoring some normalcy.
This evacuation comes after years of Russian occupation, during which the city remained largely isolated. The rare ceasefire has allowed for the movement of aid and people, but concerns remain about the long-term stability of the region. The operation highlights the fragile nature of peace efforts in the ongoing conflict.
