Ukrainian Refugees Embrace Loved Ones After Escape from Russian-Controlled Oleshky
Emotional reunions as Ukrainian evacuees return after enduring perilous journey from Russia-occupied Oleshky to safety in Chernihiv.
POLICY WIRE — Chernihiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian evacuees, who were trapped in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, have finally been reunited with their families after a harrowing 19-hour journey through Russian territory and Belarus.
Evacuees faced numerous obstacles, including navigating through minefields, avoiding Russian soldiers and drones, and enduring the final leg of their trip by bus. Upon arrival at the Ukrainian border in the Chernihiv region, the travelers were greeted by emotional scenes as they hugged their loved ones, some draped in the blue and yellow Ukrainian flags.
The evacuees had been living in an abandoned neighbor’s house, with Ukrainian military positions just 5 kilometers away from Oleshky. The evacuation route took them through southern Russia to Belarus before crossing back into Ukraine.
Volunteers greeted the weary travelers with hand-drawn welcome signs and hot cups of coffee. Health workers with ambulances were also on standby, ready to assist anyone in need.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
