The final evacuation flight carrying Ukrainian civilians from Russian-occupied Oleshky landed in Gomel, Belarus, on Saturday, with evacuees and a Ukrainian delegation now en route to cross the border into Ukraine within hours.
The last of four planes completed the journey, concluding a rare joint humanitarian operation between Russia and Ukraine. Evacuees were first transported by bus to the Russian city of Anapa, where they boarded military aircraft bound for Gomel. From there, they will travel by bus to Ukrainian-controlled territory.
The evacuation followed a localized ceasefire brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, which began on Tuesday and is set to last until Sunday evening. Russian and Ukrainian human rights ombudsmen, Jana Lantratova and Dmytro Lubinez, oversaw the process, with both sides expressing gratitude for the temporary truce. Lubinez confirmed that over 750 residents had the opportunity to leave, though exact numbers remain unclear.
Oleshky, a frontline town in Kherson region, has been under Russian occupation since early 2022. Once home to 24,000 people, its population had dwindled to fewer than 2,000 amid relentless shelling and a humanitarian crisis. The city, cut off from regular supplies, faced severe shortages of food, medicine, and water, with the last consistent aid delivery in May.
Those who chose to stay received humanitarian assistance, while evacuees were given the option to travel to either Russia or Ukraine. Belarusian authorities set up a tent camp in Gomel, providing food, medical care, and support from the Red Cross and emergency services. The operation marked the first such joint effort since the war began over four years ago.
