500 trapped in Oleshky: Ceasefire opens door to rescue

A ceasefire took effect at 3 a.m. on October 27, breaking a two-year siege of Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region. The town, located on the Dnipro River, has been cut off since Russia occupied it in 2022 and the Kakhovka dam was destroyed in 2023. With all access routes mined, approximately 2,000 residents have lived in isolation. Former residents who escaped described conditions of hunger, lack of medicine, and no electricity or water. Now, preparations are underway to move an estimated 500 of those people to safety.

The isolation began with the Russian capture of the town in 2022. In 2023, the destruction of the Kakhovka dam caused severe flooding, further complicating access. All roads into Oleshky were mined, severing the link to the outside world. Over the past six months, the Save Ukraine Foundation has rescued at least 300 civilians from the area. Myroslava Kharchenko, a lawyer with the organization, confirmed that while the ceasefire is in place, physical evacuations have not yet started.

Mine-clearing operations on the main road began around 8 a.m. on October 27. However, activities inside the town remain under strict military confidentiality. Kharchenko noted that any careless remark could jeopardize the effort. Information is currently being gathered through closed local chat groups. Residents are filling out registration lists and application forms. Organizers are verifying dates of birth and current residences. They are also collecting contact details for neighbors, as communications within the town are unreliable.

Medical needs are a primary concern for the evacuation planners. Organizers are documenting the health conditions of those planning to leave, including individuals who are ill, have limited mobility, or are recovering from blast and mine injuries. The expectation is that medical assistance will be available for those requiring care during the transfer. The route is likely to pass through Russian-controlled territory and possibly into Russia before reaching Ukrainian government-controlled areas. A river route is considered too dangerous and has not been confirmed.

The evacuation is expected to occur in stages rather than a single day. Kharchenko stated that this approach allows the first group to leave safely, serving as an example for the remaining residents. Many people in Oleshky are afraid due to previous provocations and failed attempts to establish humanitarian corridors. This history has created suspicion, which may cause some to wait. Despite these concerns, the estimate remains that around 500 people will eventually be evacuated.

Logistical challenges extend beyond moving living residents. A hospital in the town requires evacuation. Nearby, a morgue holds bodies that need to be recovered, identified, and examined for causes of death. This process will take time, regardless of how quickly the military clears the routes. Both Russian and Ukrainian officials have kept their statements cautious, reflecting the strict secrecy surrounding the operation.

Melania Trump has drawn international attention to the humanitarian situation in Oleshky. Kharchenko expressed gratitude for this focus, describing the situation as a genocide committed by the Russian Federation. The effort to remove civilians from the combat zone is seen as a critical step toward resolving the crisis.

The next steps involve completing the mine-clearing on roads leading into the city and ensuring streets inside Oleshky are safe. Organizers are continuing to collect registration data. The physical movement of the first group of civilians has not yet been announced, but the groundwork for the evacuation is actively being laid.