- Kyiv Coordinates Internationally Facilitated Operation to Bring Residents from Russian-Occupied Kherson Region Back to Ukrainian-Controlled Territory
KYIV: Ukraine is continuing its efforts to secure the safe evacuation and return of civilians from the temporarily occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the lives and fundamental rights of its citizens amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, emphasised that the humanitarian operation must continue, stressing that the safety and well-being of every Ukrainian citizen remain a national priority.
Budanov said he was maintaining regular communication with Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, who is coordinating the evacuation operation.
“This is an important operation, and it must be continued. The life of every citizen is important for Ukraine,” Budanov stated.
Evacuation Route Agreed Through Russia and Belarus
According to information released by Ukrainian officials, arrangements have been made for residents of Oleshky to return to Ukrainian-controlled territory through an evacuation corridor passing through Russia and Belarus.
Ukrainian officials have explained that the route was established through agreements between the Ukrainian and Russian sides to facilitate the safe movement of civilians from the occupied area.
Dmytro Lubinets has provided further clarification regarding the arrangements, highlighting the humanitarian considerations behind the selected evacuation route.
David Arakhamia, a senior Ukrainian political figure, also shared photographs from Oleshky, drawing attention to the situation on the ground and the importance of ensuring the successful completion of the operation.
Hundreds of Civilians Expected to Return to Ukrainian Territory
Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky initially announced that 527 residents of Oleshky were expected to return to Ukrainian-controlled territory.
He subsequently issued an apology for releasing the figure prematurely, explaining that the number remained subject to change and that verified information would be provided after the evacuation operation had been completed.
The Ukrainian government has emphasised the importance of accurate information and careful coordination as efforts continue to bring civilians to safety.
Ceasefire Creates Humanitarian Opportunity
Ukraine’s Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, previously announced the commencement of a ceasefire in the Oleshky area from 3:00 a.m. on October 27. Russia’s Defence Ministry also confirmed the introduction of what it described as a “silence regime.”
According to the announced arrangements, the ceasefire is scheduled to remain in effect until 10:59 p.m. on November 1, providing a temporary window for humanitarian activities and civilian evacuation.
The White House had earlier announced that US First Lady Melania Trump had helped broker the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to facilitate humanitarian assistance in Oleshky, where residents have been facing an increasingly serious humanitarian situation.
Protecting Civilian Lives Remains Ukraine’s Priority
The evacuation initiative represents an important humanitarian effort amid the continuing conflict and the challenges confronting civilians in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.
For Kyiv, bringing its citizens back to safety is not merely an administrative undertaking but a matter of national responsibility and humanitarian commitment.
Ukrainian officials have reiterated that every civilian life matters and that coordinated international efforts remain essential to ensuring safe passage, protecting vulnerable residents and facilitating the return of displaced Ukrainians to territory under their country’s control.
BY: The Times Union – Valentina Romanenko
