Residents evacuated from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky successfully crossed into Ukrainian-held territory on Saturday as part of a temporary, U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The ongoing localized pause in fighting, which began at 3 a.m. Tuesday and is scheduled to run through Sunday evening, has allowed civilians from one of the conflict's most severe humanitarian zones to depart.
Journey Through Russia and Belarus
Under the arrangement facilitated by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, the evacuees utilized buses and planes to travel through Russia and Belarus. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, also urged Russian and Ukrainian leaders to permit civilian evacuations and aid deliveries.
The approximately 2,000 residents remaining in Oleshky—located in the southeastern Kherson region and occupied since the earliest days of the Ukraine-Russia war—faced multiple options. Civilians could choose to travel to Ukrainian- or Russian-held territory, or stay in the city with newly replenished food and medical supplies.
Those who decided to head back to Ukraine were transported first to the Russian city of Anapa, then flown to Homel in Belarus before continuing their journey home.
Family Reunions at the Border
On Saturday, relatives gathered at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border alongside aid tents, coffee stands, and provisions for pets brought by the evacuees. Volunteers representing organizations such as the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and the World Central Kitchen were present to assist.
- Liza Paliy, 19, awaited her father whom she had not seen in over two and a half years after she and other family members fled the occupied zone.
- Daria Pavlyn waited at the border hoping to reunite with her father, Mykhailo, after nearly a month of silence.
- Melania Trump shared on social media Friday that the humanitarian convoy safely evacuated more than 750 people.
Ukrainian authorities restricted the disclosure of exact evacuees numbers and the specific border crossing location to protect both those who stayed in Oleshky and future humanitarian missions.
Ongoing Conflict Elsewhere
While the localized ceasefire permitted evacuations in Oleshky, hostilities persisted in other regions. In Russia's western Bryansk region, a Ukrainian drone strike killed a 30-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man, injuring five others, according to local Governor Yegor Kovalchuk.
Additional drone strikes were reported in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan, where Russian media noted a fire in the capital of Ufa, which houses several oil refineries. Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defense stated that forces intercepted 433 Ukrainian drones overnight.
In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy reported that overnight Russian drone attacks targeted energy and railway infrastructure, causing power outages for 280,000 households across the Dnipro and Kyiv regions. Repair crews were deployed to address damages at combined heat and power plants, electricity substations, and gas distribution facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the temporary ceasefire begin and end?
The ceasefire started at 3 a.m. Tuesday and is scheduled to continue through Sunday evening.
Who brokered the evacuation deal for Oleshky residents?
The temporary ceasefire and evacuation arrangement were brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, with additional appeals made by Pope Leo XIV.
How many people lived in Oleshky before the evacuation?
An estimated 2,000 remaining residents were living in the city, with social media updates indicating the convoy safely evacuated more than 750 people.