Europe Asia News

The temporary ceasefire agreed upon by Russia and Ukraine to deliver humanitarian assistance and evacuate civilians from the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky has ended.

Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova stated in a social media post that both sides had fulfilled their obligations during the ceasefire, humanitarian aid had been delivered to city residents, and civilians wishing to leave had been safely evacuated.

Lantratova said the operation had been carried out in coordination with Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets. She added that they had agreed to conduct similar humanitarian operations regularly, on a monthly basis.

According to reports, evacuated civilians were taken to Belarus on October 30. On the morning of October 31, people arriving on three aircraft at Gomel International Airport were transported by bus to the Nova Guta border crossing on the Ukrainian border. Roads leading to Oleshky were reportedly cleared of mines before the operation, and humanitarian assistance was delivered to the city.

Oleshky, located on the left bank of the Dnipro River, has been under Russian control since February 2022. Ongoing fighting in the city has reportedly caused difficulties in accessing food, medicines and other essential supplies.

The humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky came into effect on October 27 and remained in place until 10:59 p.m. on November 1. Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement on the temporary ceasefire on October 23 to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations.