Ukrainian officials reach Russian-held Oleshky. The question now is where its residents can go

Ukrainian officials, led by human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets, have successfully reached the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast on October 30th. The truce, which has held for 80 hours, allows Lubinets to assess the needs of the residents and provide necessary assistance. Oleshky, located on the left bank of the Dnipro River, has been under Russian control for months, causing widespread starvation among the local population.

The White House has pledged to provide transportation for those wishing to leave Oleshky and relocate to their preferred destination. Lubinets stated that everyone wanting to go to Ukraine will be able to, and his delegation will travel together with the chosen evacuees via Anapa in Russia. From there, a Russian military transport plane is expected to take them to Homiel in Belarus on October 31st.

Upon reaching Oleshky, Lubinets met with the local delegation, including Russia's human rights commissioner Yana Lantratova, to coordinate the mission. He revealed that 25 buses with 750 seats have been prepared, along with ambulances for those with limited mobility. The delegation prioritizes aid for elderly residents and people with disabilities.

Lubinets announced that anyone wishing to leave will be provided a safe way out, while those who choose to stay will receive aid. The delegation expects to be in Oleshky before the 80-hour truce ends at 22:59 Kyiv time on November 1st. The success of this mission could potentially allow Russia to rebuild its forces, according to the International Crisis Group (ISW), as evacuees will face a route through Russia and Belarus.