HUMANITARIAN CORRIDOR OPENS THROUGH WAR ZONE AS OLESHKY RESIDENTS FLEE TO SAFETY

October 31, 2026

Four aircraft carrying residents evacuated from the Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Oleshky landed in Gomel, Belarus, on Saturday, October 31, as part of a humanitarian operation enabled by a temporary local ceasefire. The evacuees were travelling towards Ukrainian-controlled territory after enduring severe shortages of food and essential supplies amid the prolonged conflict. According to Belarusian state news agency Belta and Ukrainian officials, the group was expected to continue its journey across the Belarusian-Ukrainian border.

The evacuation followed a complicated route designed to move civilians away from the frontline, which lies only a few kilometres from Oleshky. Residents first travelled by bus through Crimea to the Russian town of Anapa before boarding flights to Belarus. From there, they were expected to cross into Ukraine. The operation was conducted during a six-day local ceasefire, which began earlier in the week and enabled humanitarian deliveries, road demining and civilian evacuations.

Oleshky, situated in Ukraine's southern Kherson region, has suffered extensive disruption since Russian forces took control of the area. Fighting, drone attacks and the breakdown of supply routes have left residents struggling to obtain food, medicine and other necessities. Some residents reported that food deliveries had stopped months earlier, contributing to severe hunger. The town, which had a pre-war population of approximately 24,000, was estimated to have around 1,700 residents remaining before the evacuation operation.

The humanitarian initiative received diplomatic assistance involving US First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV, according to reports. Ukrainian and Russian representatives participated in arrangements intended to facilitate civilian movement and the delivery of essential supplies. However, the number of residents who ultimately chose to leave, remain in Oleshky or relocate to Russian-controlled territory was not immediately clear.

The evacuation represents a rare instance of practical humanitarian coordination between opposing sides during the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. Although the temporary ceasefire has created an opportunity to assist civilians trapped by the fighting, hostilities continue elsewhere, underscoring the vulnerability of communities living near the frontline and the continuing need for protected humanitarian access.