Ukraine and Russia are discussing arrangements to evacuate civilians from Russian-occupied Oleshky and six neighboring communities in the Kherson region. The Ukrainian side estimates that around 6,000 people may still be living there, including up to 200 children, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets said on October 19.
According to the ombudsman, the sides are approaching agreement on a temporary ceasefire during the evacuation and on a route that would allow residents who wish to leave to travel directly to Ukrainian government-controlled territory. Lubinets stressed that several issues remain unresolved. It would therefore be premature to say that the evacuation has been agreed upon or has begun.
Occupied Oleshky faces a severe humanitarian situation: residents have reported shortages of food and medicine, while fighting and dangerous roads make movement difficult. In September, Lubinets accused the Russian side of blocking an evacuation that had previously been under discussion. The latest progress in the talks therefore does not guarantee that people will be able to leave safely.
Lubinets's comments were reported, among others, by Ukrainska Pravda. At the time, there was no independent public confirmation that Russia had given final approval to the evacuation arrangements.