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Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets announced on October 30 that demining operations had concluded around Oleshky allowing a humanitarian convoy to proceed with 25 buses capable of transporting 750 passengers along with ambulances for those with limited mobility. Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova confirmed the completion of demining efforts and the readiness of tens of tons of aid including food medicine and water. The operation which began after a ceasefire took effect on October 27 has held without violations for more than 75 hours according to both sides. Residents had until 14:00 local time to register for evacuation before aid distribution commenced.[[1]](https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-oleshky-evacuation-melania-trump/33887157.html)
The southern Ukrainian town which Russian forces have held since the early weeks of the full-scale invasion in 2022 once had a pre-war population of around 24000 but now counts roughly 2000 remaining residents many of them elderly and facing acute shortages. A New York Times report detailed how mines and drones have created a near-total blockade cutting off supplies of food medicine and basic utilities such as electricity gas and running water. Residents described conditions resembling a horror movie with fires and constant threats from unmanned aerial vehicles. The Kremlin has blamed Ukrainian forces for preventing departures and disrupting deliveries while Kyiv has accused Russian troops of blocking aid and endangering civilians.[[2]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/05/world/europe/oleshky-ukraine-russia-war-food.html)
A localised ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump with involvement from Pope Leo has provided the first sustained pause in fighting across the Kherson frontline since the invasion began. Reuters reported that the arrangement which is set to last until November 1 allowed Russian sappers to clear routes and both delegations to coordinate on the ground in occupied Crimea. Ukrainian officials including Lubinets have stressed that the pause has enabled safe access for journalists from Ukraine Russia and the United States to document the mission. No violations were recorded in the initial days of the truce according to updates from both human rights commissioners.[[3]](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-begin-localised-ceasefire-allow-humanitarian-operation-oleshky-2026-10-27/)
Evacuees choosing to head for Ukrainian-controlled territory must follow a circuitous route first travelling into Russian-occupied areas then to the southern Russian city of Anapa before flying to Gomel in Belarus and crossing into Ukraine’s Chernihiv region. According to RBC-Ukraine the complex path was outlined in an agreement that also permits those who prefer to stay in occupied territory or Russia to do so. Ukrainian representatives will accompany the convoys to monitor the process. Several hundred residents are understood to be remaining in Oleshky despite the devastation while preliminary figures suggesting 527 planned to return to government-held areas were later described as unclear by Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi.[[4]](https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/kherson-s-oleshky-prepares-for-evacuation-1793269057.html)
Humanitarian supplies assembled for the operation include dozens of tons of essentials intended for both departing residents and those who stay behind in the town. Lantratova stated that medical staff numbering more than 50 were on hand and that boarding and distribution times were staggered to prevent overcrowding at the district hospital where much of the activity is centred. Lubinets emphasised that all who wish to leave will have the opportunity while those remaining will receive necessary support. The mission has drawn international attention as a rare instance of direct coordination between the warring parties on civilian protection.[[5]](https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/inside-the-high-stakes-mission-to-rescue-1793353218.html)
Lubinets said “Everyone who wishes to leave Oleshky will be given the opportunity to do so safely. At the same time those who decide to remain will be able to stay and will receive all the necessary humanitarian assistance.” The Ukrainian ombudsman has been updating on the operation via Telegram noting that delegations met in Armiansk to finalise logistics. Reuters indicated that two Russian personnel were killed during demining but the overall ceasefire has allowed the effort to advance. Uncertainty persists over the final number of evacuees as the situation on the ground continues to evolve throughout the day.
