Evacuees from Russian-occupied Ukrainian city reach Ukraine territory

The evacuees traveled by bus and plane through Russia and Belarus under an arrangement brokered by U.S. first lady Melania Trump, reports said.

Published: October 31, 2026 1:59pm

Civilians evacuated from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky arrived in Ukrainian-controlled territory Saturday as part of an operation conducted under a temporary ceasefire in southern Ukraine.

The evacuees traveled by bus and plane through Russia and Belarus under an arrangement brokered by U.S. first lady Melania Trump, reports said.

Organizers and Ukrainian authorities withheld the number of people evacuated and the location of the border crossing, citing security concerns and the need to protect residents who are still in the city.

The Associated Press reported that the truce in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region took effect at 3 a.m. Tuesday and is expected to remain in place until Sunday evening. 

An estimated 2,000 residents currently in Oleshky were given the option of evacuating to Ukrainian or Russian-controlled territory or staying in the city, where additional food and medical supplies were made available.
 

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