Ukraine reports progress in talks with Russia on evacuation of civilians from occupied Oleshky
Ukraine has made substantial progress in negotiations with Russia over the evacuation of civilians trapped in the occupied town of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets said on October 19.
Speaking to Espreso TV, Lubinets said Ukraine was holding daily talks with Russia in an effort to secure a ceasefire and arrange the evacuation of residents to Ukrainian-controlled territory.
According to the ombudsman, the Russian side has begun considering proposals Ukraine submitted some time ago, and negotiations have reached the stage of discussing final details.
"In my view, we have made as much progress as possible," Lubinets said, adding that difficult issues remained unresolved.
"I hope that in the near future we will all see concrete results from these negotiations," he said.
No evacuation agreement has been announced, and Lubinets did not disclose further details of the negotiations.
Oleshky, a Russian-occupied town near the front line in southern Ukraine, has been facing a severe humanitarian crisis. According to Ukrainian officials, regular food supplies have not reached the area since late May, while Russian forces have prevented residents from leaving.
More than 6,000 civilians, including approximately 200 children, may remain in Oleshky and nearby settlements.
Ukrainian forces have carried out drone deliveries of humanitarian aid to the area, including a mission that delivered nearly 400 packages containing food, medicine and supplies for children, weighing a total of four metric tons.
Pope Leo XIV recently urged Russia to agree to a ceasefire that would allow humanitarian supplies to reach Oleshky and enable the voluntary, safe evacuation of civilians.
Lubinets previously said in September that Russia had not confirmed its willingness to participate in a humanitarian evacuation mission.
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