Hundreds of residents evacuated from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in Ukraine have reunited with family in northern Ukraine after a temporary ceasefire allowed their departure.
Residents evacuated from Oleshky, a city captured by Russia during the 2022 invasion, described their experience as 'horror' and 'hell' due to relentless shelling, mined escape routes, and severe shortages of supplies. Many were forced to cross minefields in search of food, with some losing their lives or suffering injuries as a result. Olha and Viacheslav, who lived in Oleshky with their children, recounted the dangers of staying in the city, where the risk of drone attacks and landmines made every movement perilous. As supplies dwindled, they and others resorted to eating garden weeds to survive, highlighting the extreme conditions faced by those trapped in the city.
A humanitarian ceasefire, brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump, allowed the evacuation of up to 750 people from Oleshky, including 200 children. The evacuees traveled through Russian-occupied territory, then to southern Russia before flying to Belarus and arriving in northern Ukraine on Saturday. The ceasefire provided the first few days of peace in the region in four years, enabling residents to leave the city. The evacuation took place over a four-hour window, with a convoy of 25 buses and ambulances arranged to assist evacuees, including those with limited mobility.
Why it matters
The evacuation highlights the dire living conditions for residents of Oleshky and the risks they faced under Russian occupation.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
The long-term impact of the ceasefire on the remaining residents of Oleshky and the stability of the region.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.