Chernihiv Region: Residents evacuated from the Russian-occupied Oleshky crossed into Ukrainian-held territory on Saturday. The evacuation was carried out as part of a major rescue operation under the most significant truce since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine four-and-a-half years ago.
The civilians travelled by bus and plane through Russia and Belarus, following a deal brokered by US first lady Melania Trump.
Ukrainian authorities imposed restrictions on disclosing the number of evacuees or the border crossing location. The measures are to safeguard those who chose to remain in Oleshky as well as to protect future humanitarian missions, the organizers said.
The ceasefire in Ukraine's southern Kherson region, which began at 3 am Tuesday, is expected to continue through Sunday evening.
The estimated 2,000 remaining residents of Oleshky were offered the choice of travelling to Ukrainian- or Russian-held territory, or remaining in the city with replenished food and medical supplies.
Those who chose to return to Ukraine were taken to the Russian city of Anapa then flown to Homel in Belarus, from where they proceeded back home.
As part of preparations for the mission, route demining operations were held.
Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets confirmed on Wednesday that designated transit routes were actively being cleared of landmines to ensure safe access for aid deliveries and facilitate civilian passage.
His remarks come after Melania Trump announced on Tuesday that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine has taken effect beyond Oleshky two days ahead of schedule, with the move aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to the conflict-affected area.
(With inputs from AP via PTI & ANI)
