Key facts
- Evacuation of Russian-occupied Oleshky is underway.
- A ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump is in effect.
- Residents have a four-hour window to leave the city.
- Up to 750 people can leave via a convoy of 25 buses and ambulances.
- Essential services like gas, electricity, and running water are unavailable in Oleshky.
- Evacuees will travel through Russian-occupied territory to Anapa, then fly to Belarus before crossing into Ukraine's Chernihiv region.
The evacuation of the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky is underway, with authorities confirming a ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump that began on Tuesday. Residents wishing to leave have a four-hour window to do so, with a convoy of 25 buses and ambulances able to transport up to 750 people. The city has suffered widespread devastation and lacks essential services like gas, electricity, and running water. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and his Russian counterpart Yana Lantratova have collaborated on the evacuation efforts. Some residents have chosen to remain, citing reasons such as not being able to bring pets or a reluctance to leave their homes.