By — Derek Gatopoulos, Associated Press Derek Gatopoulos, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/residents-evacuated-from-russian-occupied-oleshky-reach-ukraine-after-localized-ceasefire Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Residents evacuated from Russian-occupied Oleshky reach Ukraine after localized ceasefire World Oct 31, 2026 10:47 AM EDT CHERNIHIV REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Evacuees from Russian-occupied Oleshky crossed into Ukrainian-held territory Saturday in a major rescue operation carried out under the most significant truce since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine 4½ years ago. The civilians traveled by bus and plane through Russia and Belarus, following a deal brokered by U.S. first lady Melania Trump. Ukrainian authorities imposed restrictions on disclosing the number of evacuees or the border crossing location. The measures are to safeguard those who chose to remain in Oleshky as well as to protect future humanitarian missions, the organizers said. READ MORE: Aid operation and evacuations in Oleshky amid brief truce agreed to by Russia and Ukraine The ceasefire in Ukraine's southern Kherson region, which began at 3 a.m. Tuesday, is expected to continue through Sunday evening. The estimated 2,000…
Residents evacuated from Russian-occupied Oleshky reach Ukraine after localized ceasefire
In short
The localized ceasefire began early Tuesday and is scheduled to continue through Sunday evening across the occupied city of Oleshky, with spiritual backing from Pope Leo XIV. Evacuees bound for Ukraine undertook a complex multi-stage journey by bus and plane through Russia and Belarus before crossing the border to meet waiting humanitarian organizations. Those who opted not to return to Ukrainian-held territory were bused to a temporary accommodation facility located in Simferopol, Crimea.
Key points
- Ukrainian officials kept the exact border crossing point and official evacuee totals secr…: Ukrainian officials kept the exact border crossing point and official evacuee totals secret to safeguard remaining residents and future operations.
- Humanitarian organizations including the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and World Ce…: Humanitarian organizations including the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and World Central Kitchen mobilized to assist arriving evacuees.
- The diplomatic breakthrough occurred as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed U.S. appro…: The diplomatic breakthrough occurred as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed U.S. approval to purchase 500 Patriot interceptors to protect infrastructure.