Humanitarian Effort in Oleshky
The initial group of Oleshky residents evacuated through a humanitarian mission has finished their medical treatment and returned to territories controlled by Ukraine. Others among the evacuees continue to receive comprehensive support, including medical care, social services, and psychological assistance. They are also being helped with documentation and financial aid. For instance, Kyiv's Administrative Service Center (CNAP) is assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) with obtaining official certificates, while the Pension Fund of Ukraine is providing housing subsidies for those affected.
Key Milestones of the Humanitarian Mission
The humanitarian operation in Oleshky was agreed upon on October 23, 2026, facilitated by Melania Trump and her team. Negotiations were led by Dmytro Lubinets on the Ukrainian side and Lantratova representing the Russian side. Critical stages of the mission included:
- Establishing a ceasefire on October 27
- Clearing routes of mines and organizing the humanitarian convoy by October 29
- Crossing the Ukrainian border by evacuated Oleshky residents on October 31
More than 60 animals, mainly cats and dogs, were also evacuated during the mission. All animals survived but remain severely weakened and are undergoing veterinary examinations. The evacuees ranged widely in age, with the oldest being 94 years old and the youngest just over one year. On the Ukrainian side, approximately 50 Red Cross ambulances, Doctors Without Borders staff, and volunteers responsible for transporting animals were ready to receive the evacuees.
Dmytro Lubinets stated: 'Even today, staff from Kyiv’s CNAP visited the hospital to finalize IDP certificate processing for those who couldn’t complete it earlier, while representatives from the Pension Fund provided housing assistance to IDPs.'
He added, 'Starting next week, we will assist people in reaching their preferred regions within Ukraine and help them settle in. Plans are underway to address the care and accommodation needs of those with limited mobility.'
Lubinets emphasized: 'Our support efforts continue because our responsibility goes beyond evacuating people from danger—we must also ensure their well-being afterward. I sincerely thank everyone for their compassion and willingness to help, as well as our national and international partners who have contributed to aiding the people of Oleshky.'
The humanitarian mission concluded successfully, but ongoing assistance remains a priority.
This operation marked a significant step in providing aid to individuals caught in dire circumstances. Continued social and medical support is crucial, as many evacuees have endured severe trauma and face challenges adapting to new living conditions. The collaboration between international and national organizations highlights the power of unity during times of crisis.
As the humanitarian efforts continue in Oleshky, it's crucial to understand the steps taken to ensure the safety of evacuees. The successful completion of mine clearance has paved the way for subsequent humanitarian convoys. For a detailed overview of the operations and the timeline of events leading up to this crucial phase, see our report on the humanitarian convoy's preparation.