Residents of Russian-occupied Oleshky return to Ukraine after weeklong humanitarian mission

The evacuees crossed into Ukraine from Belarus on October 31, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed. Hromadske journalists were at the border to witness their arrival.

People greeted the evacuees with signs reading "You're home," "You're not alone," and "You are Ukraine."

The first vehicles to arrive carried rescued animals, including dogs, cats, a parrot, and even a raccoon. Ukrainian authorities had prepared medical assistance, wheelchairs, and pet food for the returning residents.

According to Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, the oldest evacuee was 94 years old and the youngest was just over one year old.

Among those rescued was a family trapped in a shell-damaged apartment building. The father was unable to descend from the eighth floor because of his health, while the staircase had been destroyed, leaving the family effectively cut off from food and water.

Another resident, born in Oleshky, survived 16 Russian drone attacks and four missile strikes on his home before finally escaping.

The operation involved a temporary ceasefire, the clearing of mined roads, and the delivery of humanitarian supplies. Residents traveled through Russian territory to Belarus before crossing into Ukraine's Chernihiv Oblast.

Lubinets said the evacuees were not subjected to filtration procedures or checks of their phones and documents during their journey through Russia.

Ukrainian authorities have declined to disclose the number of people evacuated. Some residents chose to remain in Oleshky, according to hromadske sources.

Before Russia's full-scale invasion, Oleshky had a population of approximately 24,000. By 2026, fewer than 2,000 people were estimated to remain in the town, which has been under Russian occupation since 2022.

The humanitarian mission followed months of reports of severe food shortages, lack of medical supplies, and civilian deaths. The operation involved Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, with US First Lady Melania Trump announcing arrangements for a localized ceasefire.

Zelenskyy expressed hope that humanitarian access to Oleshky would continue.

The ceasefire is scheduled to remain in effect through November 1. Ukrainian officials have suggested that the operation could serve as a model for future humanitarian missions.