Hundreds Evacuated from Russian-Occupied Oleshky to Ukraine via Belarus
Hundreds of civilians from Oleshky, under Russian control, have been moved to Ukrainian territory through Belarus, following a truce reportedly brokered by Melania Trump.
Highlights
- A significant number of civilians departed Russian-held Oleshky, Ukraine.
- Four aircraft transported the evacuees to Gomel, Belarus.
- Reports suggest former US First Lady Melania Trump assisted in mediating the ceasefire.
- Evacuees had the option to go to Ukrainian or Russian-controlled areas.
- Aid workers and Red Cross volunteers met the group upon arrival in Belarus.
Details
According to Ukrainian parliamentary member David Arakhamia, four planes carrying individuals displaced from Oleshky landed in Gomel, Belarus, on Saturday. Belarusian state media reported that emergency personnel, medical staff, and Red Cross volunteers were on hand to greet the group in Gomel. Arakhamia indicated that these individuals were expected to continue their journey to Ukrainian territory within a few hours of their arrival.
The journey for these civilians from Oleshky, a town that has faced severe shortages of food and medicine due to prolonged conflict, commenced on Friday with bus convoys. This unusual regional ceasefire is anticipated to last until Sunday. Approximately 2,000 residents were given the opportunity to relocate to either Ukrainian or Russian-administered areas, or to remain in Oleshky with renewed provisions of food and medical supplies.
Neither Russia nor Ukraine has disclosed the exact number of people who chose to depart the city. However, Melania Trump stated in a Friday post that the humanitarian convoy could safely move over 750 individuals. Yana Lantratova, Russia's human rights commissioner and a key figure in the operation, confirmed that some buses also carried Oleshky residents who wished to resettle in Russia. Additionally, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, reportedly urged Russian and Ukrainian leaders to facilitate humanitarian aid and civilian departures.
Why it matters
This evacuation is notable as a rare humanitarian effort to provide safe passage for civilians from a conflict zone. The involvement of international figures, such as former US First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV, in mediating the truce highlights the potential impact of diplomatic initiatives in addressing humanitarian crises. The provision of aid and safe choices for Oleshky's residents is a crucial development for the humanitarian situation in the region, offering relief from critical food and medicine shortages.