Photo: RBC
Residents evacuated from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in Kherson region arrived in Ukraine on the afternoon of October 31. The evacuation route ran through Belarus.
How the evacuation was carried out
A ceasefire was introduced in the area around Russian-occupied Oleshky on October 27 to allow a humanitarian mission to take place.
The mission was organized with the mediation of US First Lady Melania Trump. It involved delivering humanitarian aid to civilians and preparing for the evacuation of local residents. The ceasefire is scheduled to remain in effect until 22:59 on November 1.
The ceasefire zone was later expanded beyond the city limits to ensure the safety of humanitarian convoys.
The ceasefire was not violated throughout the humanitarian mission, according to the report.
On October 30, a Ukrainian delegation led by Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets arrived in Oleshky. Ukrainian and American journalists also travelled to the city to independently cover the humanitarian operation.
The evacuation convoy included 25 buses, 50 medical workers and ambulances.
Evacuations and humanitarian aid distribution began immediately after the convoy arrived.
The convoy evacuated more than 750 residents of Oleshky. Most chose to travel to Ukraine, while some wanted to go to Russia.
On the evening of October 30, the Ukrainian delegation and the evacuees set off for the Russian city of Anapa. From there, they flew to Homel in Belarus before travelling by bus into Ukraine through the Nova Huta border crossing.
Evacuated residents arrive in Ukraine
On the afternoon of October 31, the evacuees reached the Ukrainian border with Belarus in Chernihiv region.
Hot meals, tea and assistance for children and pets were prepared for them in specially equipped tents. A medical team was also on duty to examine anyone who needed care.
Andrii Zhydenko, director general of Chernihiv Regional Hospital, said the evacuees would first undergo medical examinations. Those whose lives were not in immediate danger would then be referred to medical facilities or reunited with relatives.
Family members were also waiting to welcome the evacuees.
Iryna came to meet her godfather, while Daria, who is originally from Oleshky, was waiting for her father.
Daria said food shortages in the city began soon after Russian forces occupied it. The situation has now become critical, as food supplies have stopped arriving altogether. Residents are also without electricity, water and gas.
Her father survived by growing vegetables in his own garden and using solar panels for electricity, although they only worked reliably in good weather.
There was also no mobile phone service. However, Daria's father occasionally managed to get a signal near a window in his house and send photos and videos to his family.
The first evacuees brought into Ukraine were animals rescued from occupied Oleshky.
The oldest person evacuated from the city was 94 years old, while the youngest was just over one year old.
