Oleshky Population Drops to 1,700 Before Major Civilian Evacuation

The population of Oleshky, a Ukrainian town under Russian control, had fallen to an estimated 1,700 people before a large-scale evacuation began. This number represents a sharp decline from the pre-war population of approximately 24,000. The evacuation occurred under a six-day local ceasefire, marking the longest pause in fighting in this specific area since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that residents had crossed into the Chernihiv region. He stated on social media that all evacuees would receive necessary assistance. Zelenskyy thanked the United States and First Lady Melania Trump for their mediation efforts. He noted that Pope Leo XIV also helped secure the truce. The President added that further steps toward de-escalation and peace are required.

Evacuees arrived at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border by bus. Many were wrapped in blue and yellow flags as they stepped off the vehicles. Family members waited to reunite with them. Ukrainian officials greeted the group with posters displaying the messages “You’re not alone” and “We embrace with our hearts.” Residents from nearby villages lined the highway, waving flags and flashlights to welcome the arrivals. Ambulances and large military tents provided hot meals, tea, and medical aid at the scene.

Conditions in Oleshky had deteriorated significantly due to disrupted supply routes caused by combat and drone activity. Food deliveries stopped in May. Svitlana Yermakova, one of the evacuees, told Reuters that residents had to eat grass and squash to survive. She described risking bicycle rides through minefields to reach a nearby village for food. An elderly man in a wheelchair told Reuters that he had lost 20kg over the past year. He became weak enough to require hospital treatment.

The journey out of the town followed a complex path. Residents first traveled by bus through Crimea to the Russian town of Anapa. From there, they flew to Belarus before crossing into Ukrainian territory. Russian and Ukrainian officials reported that the ceasefire had held since Tuesday. This pause allowed teams to clear mines from roads and deliver food, medicines, and other supplies. The truce is scheduled to end on Sunday evening.

Not all residents chose to leave. Some remain in Oleshky despite a continued lack of gas, electricity, and running water. Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova said living conditions in the occupied area remained difficult. She pledged to continue working with Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Lubinets to assist those who stayed. Lantratova stated on Telegram that the current mission has concluded and that regular humanitarian missions have been agreed upon.

Fighting continues in other sections of the front line. Russia and Ukraine maintain drone attacks against each other despite the localized truce in Oleshky.