Ukrainian Civilians Evacuated from Russian-Controlled Territory Under Ceasefire Agreement
Hundreds of Ukrainians arrive home from Russian-occupied Oleshky, rescued under a ceasefire deal brokered with US assistance.
POLICY WIRE — Kyiv, Ukraine — Exhausted and malnourished Ukrainian residents are returning home after a joint relief operation brokered by both sides of the conflict. This operation, the first of its kind in four and a half years of war, marks a significant humanitarian effort.
Evacuees were transported by bus through the Crimean peninsula to the Russian town of Anapa, then flown to Belarus, and finally crossed into Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the United States and the US first lady for their mediation, highlighting the importance of international support.
‘When the world pays attention, people are rescued. Further steps toward de-escalation and real progress toward peace are also needed,’ Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
The evacuation route was complex, starting from the devastated town of Oleshky, just a few kilometers from the front line. Many evacuees, especially the elderly, required assistance. Dogs were also evacuated, carried in cages on the plane. Ukrainian officials welcomed the evacuees with heartfelt posters, ‘You’re not alone’ and ‘We embrace with our hearts,’ as they disembarked.
In a related development, the Ukrainian General Staff reported a successful attack on a major Russian missile fuel producer in Rostov, causing significant damage. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Oleshky, emphasizing the dire situation in the region.
Russia’s veto of a US-drafted resolution on Western Sahara further complicates the region’s stability, leaving the UN peacekeeping mission without a renewed mandate. This action, along with the evacuation, highlights the ongoing tensions and the need for sustained international cooperation.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
