Photo: Getty Images
Russia is not considering any further humanitarian operations similar to the one recently carried out in Oleshky, Kherson region, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
Speaking to Russian media, Peskov described the arrangement as exceptional and said each case was unique.
“As for continuing this practice, each individual case is unique. There are currently no similar plans, nor are there any initiatives,” he said.
Ukraine’s General Staff previously reported that Russian forces had used the humanitarian ceasefire in Kherson region to strengthen their positions along the front line. They rotated troops, increased the number of anti-drone defenses along roads and expanded supplies, including ammunition.
Sky News later published video footage that it said documented Russian forces bringing heavy equipment and ammunition into Oleshky during the ceasefire. The footage also showed large bags and white boxes being carried into damaged and burned buildings with basements.
The humanitarian mission in Oleshky ran from October 27 through November 1. The evacuation of residents began on October 29, following preparatory work that included demining.
During the operation, 167 civilians were evacuated from Russian-occupied territory, including 22 children and 21 people with limited mobility. More than 60 animals were also rescued. Under the agreement, the evacuation route to Ukrainian-controlled territory passed through Russia and Belarus.
Oleshky, located on the low-lying left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson region, has been under Russian occupation since February 2022.
In June 2023, the city and surrounding communities were at the center of an environmental disaster following Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam. The breach flooded numerous settlements, with the left bank of the Dnipro suffering the heaviest damage. Some parts of Oleshky were submerged within hours, while floodwaters in other areas reached the roofs of one- and two-story buildings.
After the dam was destroyed, Russian forces deliberately obstructed residents’ attempts to escape, blocking roads, hindering rescue workers and attacking evacuation boats. Many people died, but the final death toll remains unknown. Preliminary estimates suggest that hundreds or possibly thousands of Ukrainians may have been killed, including elderly people and those with limited mobility.
Some bodies were reportedly buried in unidentified mass graves, while others were left beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings.
The region’s infrastructure, including electricity, water and gas networks, remains devastated. Residents are effectively isolated and lack access to essential supplies such as medicine, drinking water and food.
