Dozens of residents who had been trapped in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky crossed back into Ukrainian territory on Saturday, as a localized ceasefire brokered by first lady Melania Trump remained in effect. The evacuees arrived in the Chernihiv region after a long overland journey through Russia and Belarus, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ceasefire details and evacuation route
The truce, which began Tuesday and was set to run through Saturday, allowed civilians to either relocate to Russia, return to Ukrainian-controlled areas, or stay in Oleshky with fresh food deliveries. Those who chose to leave for Ukraine were transported by bus from Oleshky through Crimea and into Russia, then flown to Belarus, and finally driven across the border into Chernihiv. The operation involved 25 buses and 50 medical personnel, with a safe corridor established by mutual agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, as described by Melania Trump in a social media post.
Oleshky, located in the Russian-controlled part of the Kherson region, has suffered acute shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials since the full-scale invasion began. Around 2,000 people, many of them elderly, were reportedly still in the city. The evacuation effort was part of a broader humanitarian initiative that also included replenishing supplies for those remaining behind.
Zelensky thanks first lady and aid groups
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the arrival of the evacuees in a Saturday post on social media, thanking Melania Trump for her role in securing the temporary halt in fighting. “As of now, Ukrainian citizens from Oleshky have crossed the Ukrainian border in the Chernihiv region,” he wrote. “All of them will receive the assistance they need. It is important that government agencies and all the regional and local authorities involved work effectively and help our people adapt.” He also expressed hope that humanitarian access to the city would “remain open.”
Melania Trump responded to the news by sharing a video of the residents’ arrival, writing, “Oleshky proves we can raise humanity above war. Together, we can build a peaceful planet, a world of promise for our children.” Her involvement in the ceasefire has drawn attention, coming amid broader questions about the Trump administration’s approach to the conflict, including recent moves that critics have called concessions to Moscow.
World Central Kitchen provides meals
José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, said his team had set up food stations to greet the evacuees upon their return. “The route was long: from Oleshky through Crimea to Anapa in Russia, then a flight to Belarus and onward by road into Chernihiv region. After a journey like that, warm, good food matters a great deal,” he wrote on social media, alongside a video of evacuees lining up for meals. Zelensky praised the nonprofit’s assistance, saying he was “proud and grateful” for Andrés’s involvement and thanking the entire WCK team for “the warmth of your dishes and hearts.”
The Oleshky evacuation is a rare instance of humanitarian cooperation between the warring sides, even as fighting continues elsewhere. It also highlights the ongoing plight of civilians in occupied territories, where access to basic necessities remains precarious.
Broader context
The development comes as Ukraine’s energy infrastructure faces new vulnerabilities, and as European leaders like Finland and Norway have made direct appeals to Moscow for de-escalation. The success of the Oleshky corridor may offer a template for future humanitarian pauses, though the overall ceasefire remains fragile.
