Oleshky: civilians evacuated from Russian-occupied town in Kherson region

An evacuation of civilians has begun from Oleshky, a town in southern Ukraine held by Russian forces. It became possible thanks to a temporary ceasefire negotiated to deliver humanitarian aid and prepare residents' departure.

Ceasefire and humanitarian aid

The White House announced on 23 October 2026 that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to temporarily halt fighting in Oleshky. The ceasefire took effect on Tuesday at 3am Kyiv time. According to Polish media citing statements from the parties, it is due to last until 22:59 on 1 November. Ukraine's and Russia's human rights commissioners and US representatives took part in the talks. The White House stressed the role of US First Lady Melania Trump in reaching the deal, before Moscow and Kyiv confirmed it.

A convoy carrying food and medical supplies headed for the town. A Ukrainian delegation reached the site, and MP Davyd Arakhamia said the ceasefire was being observed. Russia's human rights commissioner, Yana Lantratova, said 25 buses had been prepared that could carry at least 750 people. Residents were allowed to take their pets.

Situation in the town

Earlier, US and Ukrainian officials warned that about 2,000 people, including 50 children, were without access to food and clean water. The town lies about 4 km from Kherson, on the Russian-controlled left bank of the Dnipro. Access roads are mined and Russian drones operate constantly in the area, which had made earlier departure difficult.

According to the BBC News description, the town is devastated and lacks gas, electricity and running water. Even so, several hundred people are understood to have decided to stay.

Where residents are going

TVN24 reported that three planes carrying residents of Oleshky landed in Gomel, in south-eastern Belarus. A tent camp was prepared for them at the airport. We were unable to confirm in the sources how many people exactly have left or where they will go next.

What this means for you

The news has no direct effect on rules or travel in the UK. For people following the war in Ukraine, however, it is a rare example of a humanitarian corridor agreed by both sides. Those who wish to help can look for appeals run by reputable humanitarian organisations.