During a humanitarian mission in Oleshky, around 800 people were evacuated, US First Lady Melania Trump has said. She did not specify how many travelled to Ukrainian-controlled territory and how many went to Russia.
In a post on X, Trump praised the actions of Ukraine and Russia, which she said had “shown leadership and co-operation in connection with the ceasefire regime in Oleshky”. The US First Lady hopes this experience will become the basis for lasting peace.
“The mission was successful, critical aid was delivered to the region and the evacuation of around 800 people was ensured,” she said.
THE CEASEFIRE CONCLUDES The mission was a success, delivering critical aid to the region and enabling the evacuation of nearly 800 people. On behalf of America, I commend Russia and Ukraine for their leadership and cooperation surrounding the Oleshky ceasefire. I hope Oleshky serves as a foundation for lasting peace between both nations. The ceasefire began on October 27, 2026, and concluded on November 1, 2026, as planned.
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) November 1, 2026
Humanitarian Operation in Oleshky
The truce in Oleshky lasted from 27 October until 22:59 on 1 November. This time was used to evacuate residents and deliver assistance to those who decided to stay.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces reported on the morning of 2 November that Russia used the ceasefire period to strengthen its positions and bring in ammunition.
Oleshky has been occupied since 2022. This year the humanitarian situation there deteriorated so severely that people began to go hungry. Ukrainians, including those abroad, held public rallies to draw attention to the city. Ukrainian troops dropped food and essential supplies to Oleshky residents several times using drones. There were reports that the occupiers seized them.
In October, the US First Lady announced agreements with Ukraine and Russia that would allow humanitarian aid to be brought to Oleshky and those who wished to be evacuated. Preparations took place from 27 to 29 October. The evacuation was carried out on 30 October.
Civilians who wanted to travel to Ukrainian-controlled territory were first taken by the Russians to an area under their control. They were then taken to Belarus, and from there travelled on to Ukraine. They were accompanied by Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets and other members of the Ukrainian team. Read about the return of Oleshky residents home in LB’s report “The Holodomor in Oleshky Began Five Months Ago. How Evacuees From Kherson Region Were Welcomed”.