Oleshky evacuees reunite with families after truce allows crossing back into Ukraine
Residents of nearby villages line highway waving flags to greet the evacuees’ convoy from the Russian-occupied city
TL;DR
- Evacuees from Russian-occupied Oleshky crossed into Ukrainian-held territory during a major rescue operation under a significant truce.
- Families were reunited at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, with volunteers and residents providing a warm welcome.
- Evacuees shared experiences of drone attacks, food shortages, and daily dangers in Oleshky.
- The temporary ceasefire allowed around 2,000 remaining residents a choice of evacuation routes or staying with replenished supplies.
- Figures like Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV played roles in brokering the localized deal and advocating for aid.
- Human rights officials hailed the mission as a success and a potential model for future humanitarian crises.
- Separate drone attacks were reported in Russia's Bryansk region and Bashkortostan, with Russia claiming to have shot down hundreds of Ukrainian drones.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reported Russian drone attacks on energy and railway infrastructure, causing power outages.