Ukraine and Russia close in on civilian evacuation deal for besieged Oleshky

Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said that Ukraine and Russia are finalising a local ceasefire that would enable the evacuation of civilians from Oleshky, a frontline town occupied since the early invasion, directly into Ukrainian-controlled territory. Residents currently endure severe shortages of essentials, mined routes and regular drone attacks, forcing many to attempt risky walks to nearby villages such as Radensk.

Negotiations, held daily in Kyiv, have prompted Moscow to review a proposal Kyiv submitted long ago, with the possibility of ferrying people across the Dnipro River to its western bank. While the exact evacuation mechanism and timeline remain unclear, Lubinets noted that over 6,000 people, including about 200 children, may still be trapped, and his office has identified 358 individuals in urgent need of assistance. In September, a small group managed to reach Ukrainian-held areas, and volunteers have previously helped residents endure multiday journeys through Russia and Belarus, but recent escalations have halted organized efforts. No formal agreement has been publicly confirmed yet.