By — Hanna Arhirova, Associated Press Hanna Arhirova, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/aid-operation-and-evacuations-in-oleshky-amid-brief-truce-agreed-to-by-russia-and-ukraine Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Aid operation and evacuations in Oleshky amid brief truce agreed to by Russia and Ukraine World Oct 30, 2026 9:31 AM EDT KHERSON, Ukraine (AP) — A humanitarian mission entered the devastated city of Oleshky on Friday, officials said, as Russia and Ukraine observed the most significant truce of the 4½-year war that began with Moscow's full-scale invasion of its neighbor. A convoy including 25 buses, ambulances and aid supplies was due to arrive in the Russian-occupied city to deliver food and medicine and evacuate residents wishing to leave for Russia or Ukraine. About 2,000 people remain in Oleshky, according to authorities and volunteers. A localized ceasefire in Ukraine's southern Kherson region has held for four days and is due to continue through Sunday evening to allow the operation to proceed. WATCH: News Wrap: Ceasefire in Oleshky holds for a third day "Everyone who wishes to leave Oleshky will have the…
Aid operation and evacuations in Oleshky amid brief truce agreed to by Russia and Ukraine
In short
The four-day localized pause in fighting in the Kherson region permits a 25-vehicle convoy to deliver humanitarian supplies and extract residents through Sunday evening. While both warring nations officially pledged safe passage toward either territory, evacuees bound for Ukraine face an indirect journey spanning hundreds of kilometers via Belarus rather than crossing the nearby Dnipro River. Additionally, local volunteers reported that Russian soldiers have pressured vulnerable residents to choose evacuation routes leading directly into Russia.
Key points
- The fragile southern ceasefire remains strictly localized while heavy drone and missile s…: The fragile southern ceasefire remains strictly localized while heavy drone and missile strikes continue across other frontlines.
- Both nations pledged safe passage in identical statements, though Oleshky residents still…: Both nations pledged safe passage in identical statements, though Oleshky residents still harbor deep fears of military interrogation and detention.
- Diplomatic appeals from Pope Leo XIV and mediation by Melania Trump proved crucial in sec…: Diplomatic appeals from Pope Leo XIV and mediation by Melania Trump proved crucial in securing the temporary humanitarian window.