Animal Evacuation from Oleshky
More than 60 animals, primarily cats and dogs, have been evacuated from the temporarily occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region as part of a humanitarian operation. The evacuation was coordinated by the Office of the Ukrainian Ombudsman with support from the UAnimals foundation. While the rescued animals are alive, they are in a weakened state and currently receiving thorough veterinary examinations.
The humanitarian mission in Oleshky was approved on October 23, 2026. International mediation was facilitated by the U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and her team. The agreement was confirmed by Ukraine’s Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratova. Both Lubinets and Lantratova led their respective negotiation teams.
Details of the Evacuation Process
The Ukrainian delegation arrived in the occupied Oleshky on October 30, 2026, to carry out the humanitarian mission. Due to security concerns along the front line, mined areas, and an impassable river, evacuees traveled through Russia and Belarus. On October 31, 2026, Ukrainian citizens from Oleshky crossed back into Ukraine at the Chernihiv border.
At the Ukrainian border, about fifty Red Cross ambulances, representatives from Doctors Without Borders, and volunteers were on hand. Temporary shelters were set up offering hot meals, tea, and coffee, alongside ambulances and special buses. Law enforcement and emergency services also provided support.
“We will be able to provide an exact count once we complete the electronic registry of the animals we have taken under our care and sent for veterinary assessments,”
Olesya Krasnokutska, UAnimals representative
Krasnokutska added, “It will take us a few more days to evaluate the animals’ condition with veterinarians, and we are committed to doing everything possible to reunite the animals with their families.”
This animal evacuation marked a crucial achievement within the humanitarian operation, saving many stray animals caught in the conflict.
This mission highlights the vital role of international collaboration in addressing humanitarian crises during wartime. The involvement of prominent figures like the U.S. First Lady demonstrates global support for Ukraine’s efforts to protect not only its citizens but also vulnerable animals affected by the conflict. The rescue from Oleshky serves as a powerful example of finding life-saving solutions even under the most challenging circumstances.
The successful evacuation of over 60 animals marks a significant step in the ongoing humanitarian efforts in Oleshky. This operation follows the earlier evacuation initiative, which involved the use of 25 buses and special vehicles during an 80-hour ceasefire. Such coordinated efforts highlight the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of both people and animals affected by the conflict.