Residents Evacuated from Oleshky Return to Ukraine Amid Ceasefire

Residents from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky arrived in Ukrainian-held territory on Saturday as part of a temporary ceasefire brokered by the United States. The evacuation followed a deal involving U.S. first lady Melania Trump.

The estimated 2,000 remaining residents of Oleshky were given the option to leave for Ukrainian- or Russian-held areas or stay in the city with additional food and medical supplies.

Those choosing to return to Ukraine traveled through Russia to Anapa, then to Belarus, where they were flown back home. Ukrainian authorities restricted information on the number of evacuees and the border crossing site to ensure safety for those remaining in Oleshky and future aid efforts.

At the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, families and volunteers gathered, including aid tents, coffee stands, and pet provisions. Organizations such as the Red Cross and World Central Kitchen were also present to support the evacuees.

Liza Paliy, 19, waited at the border with her family, hoping to reunite with her father, who had been separated from them for over two and a half years. She expressed disappointment that the return had taken so long.

Daria Pavlyn also waited at the border, hoping to reunite with her father, who had stayed behind in Oleshky after a nearby strike killed two neighbors. He had planned to flee but stayed due to unresolved arrangements for his family's home and animals.