Residents of occupied Oleshky evacuate to Ukrainian-controlled territory

On October 31, 2026, residents of the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in southern Ukraine successfully relocated to territory controlled by Kyiv. This evacuation followed a temporary ceasefire agreement brokered by Melania Trump, a development officially confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a statement posted on Telegram, the Ukrainian president expressed his gratitude to the United States and specifically to Melania Trump, emphasizing that international engagement and attention remain vital for humanitarian efforts and broader peace prospects.

The logistics of the evacuation involved a multi-stage transport operation. Residents departed Oleshky by bus, traveled toward Crimea, were subsequently airlifted to Belarus, and finally crossed the border into Ukraine. Upon their arrival at a location kept confidential for security reasons, the evacuees were greeted by their families. While the successful transfer marks a significant instance of humanitarian cooperation, President Zelenskyy noted that further steps toward de-escalation and genuine progress in peace negotiations are still required.