Civilians evacuated from Russian-occupied Oleshky reached Ukrainian-controlled territory Saturday under a temporary, U.S.-brokered ceasefire, CBS News reported. Their arrival brought families to the Belarusian border hoping to reunite with relatives who had remained behind.
The agreement, brokered by U.S. first lady Melania Trump, gave an estimated 2,000 residents still in the southeastern Ukrainian city several options: leave for territory controlled by either side, or stay and receive fresh food and medical supplies. Those heading to Ukrainian-held territory traveled to Anapa in Russia, flew to Homel in Belarus and continued to the border.
Ukrainian authorities restricted disclosure of the crossing point and evacuee count. Organizers said the precautions were intended to protect residents who stayed and preserve the safety of future humanitarian operations. Trump said Friday that the convoy could evacuate more than 750 people safely; that figure was not a confirmed passenger total.
Among those waiting was 19-year-old Liza Paliy, who had not seen her father for more than two and a half years. She, her mother and her sister had fled while he remained in occupied territory. Aid groups at the border included the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and World Central Kitchen.
The localized pause began Tuesday and was expected to last through Sunday evening, according to CBS News. It did not extend across the war: fighting continued elsewhere as the evacuation took place. Pope Leo XIV had also urged Russian and Ukrainian leaders to permit civilian departures and aid deliveries.