CHERNIHIV REGION, Ukraine — November 1, 2026

A humanitarian evacuation has brought residents of the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky to Ukrainian-controlled territory during a rare temporary ceasefire, offering relief to civilians who had endured months of severe shortages and dangerous living conditions.

The evacuation took place under a locally negotiated truce in the Kherson region, which began on October 27 and was scheduled to remain in effect until November 1. The arrangement allowed humanitarian teams to deliver essential supplies, clear routes of landmines and organise the departure of residents who wanted to leave.

Oleshky, located near the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine, has faced a serious humanitarian crisis during the ongoing war. Fighting, damaged infrastructure and disrupted supply routes have left residents struggling to obtain food, medicine, electricity and clean water.

Before the full-scale Russian invasion, the town had a population of approximately 24,000. Recent estimates suggested that only around 1,700 people remained before the evacuation operation.

Residents who chose to travel to Ukrainian-controlled territory faced a complicated journey. They were transported by bus through Crimea to the Russian city of Anapa, then flown to Belarus before continuing across the border into Ukraine’s Chernihiv region.

Ukrainian officials and humanitarian workers welcomed the arriving civilians with food, medical assistance, transport and other essential support. Some evacuees were elderly or required medical attention, while others brought their pets and limited personal belongings.

Accounts from residents highlighted the severity of conditions in the occupied town. One elderly evacuee reportedly lost around 20 kilograms because of prolonged food shortages. Another resident described surviving by eating grass and squash when supplies became unavailable.

The temporary ceasefire also enabled humanitarian teams to bring food, medicines and other necessities into Oleshky. Officials from both countries said that demining operations had been completed along designated routes to support the mission.

The exact number of people who returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory has not been publicly confirmed. Residents were reportedly given the choice of travelling to Ukraine, moving to Russia or remaining in Oleshky with humanitarian assistance.

The operation involved coordination between Ukrainian and Russian human rights representatives, with international diplomatic involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the return of civilians and expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts.

Although the evacuation represents an important humanitarian development, it does not signal an end to the wider war. Fighting and attacks have continued in other parts of Ukraine, while the local ceasefire remains limited to the Oleshky area.

The operation has nevertheless demonstrated how temporary agreements can create opportunities to protect civilians, deliver essential aid and reunite families separated by conflict. Humanitarian officials have indicated that further assistance may be needed for people who remain in the occupied town.