Residents of occupied Oleshky get ready to leave for Ukraine as humanitarian mission begins
Photo: New footage emerges from occupied Oleshky (t.me/David_Arakhamia)
Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, who arrived in occupied Oleshky as part of a humanitarian mission, met with residents. In the video, released by the Office of the Ukrainian Ombudsman, people say they have already packed their belongings and are waiting for buses to take them to Ukrainian-controlled territory.
At the beginning of the video, one local woman greets the Ukrainian ombudsman with the words, “Our dear ones!”
Residents say they have prepared for the evacuation by labeling their bags with their surnames and phone numbers.
“We are now arranging the buses. We will tell everyone who wants to go to Ukraine which buses they should board,” Lubinets explains.
During the conversation, a woman who introduced herself as Anna Leonidivna said she recognized Ombudsman Lubinets.
We are in Oleshky! The Ukrainian delegation has safely reached the city.
— Dmytro Lubinets (@lubinetzs) October 30, 2026
The ceasefire has been in effect for 80 hours and remains in place. I am currently on the ground, speaking with local residents to hear about their needs and understand what kind of assistance they need… pic.twitter.com/AOhKIV0WLO
Humanitarian mission in Oleshky
As a reminder, a Ukrainian delegation arrived in Russian-occupied Oleshky, in the Kherson region, as part of a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid and evacuating civilians. A ceasefire was agreed upon to facilitate the operation, with the assistance of US First Lady Melania Trump.
Ahead of the operation, the Ukrainian and Russian ombudsmen leading the mission announced that the designated routes had been cleared of mines.
The Ukrainian and Russian sides also agreed on a route for the humanitarian mission. The Ukrainian delegation first arrived in Gomel, Belarus, then traveled to Anapa in Russia, and from there through Crimea to occupied Oleshky. The same route is planned for residents who choose to evacuate.
According to Lubinets, residents can choose their destination themselves: Ukrainian-controlled territory or Russia.
Twenty-five buses with a total capacity of 750 passengers have been prepared for the evacuation, along with ambulances for people with limited mobility. Special attention is to be given to older people, people with disabilities, and those unable to care for themselves.
According to Russian media reports, the humanitarian cargo includes food, medicine, drinking water, hygiene supplies, and fuel for generators.
The ceasefire in Oleshky is expected to remain in effect until 10:59 p.m. on November 1.
More details are available in RBC-Ukraine's report, “Inside the high-stakes mission to rescue civilians from Russian-occupied Oleshky.”
