Russia's War: Farewell to Oleshky – Ukrainians and Russians in Safety

Dozens of people have been evacuated from the front city of Oleschky, which is controlled by Russia, in a rescue operation described as "historic" by the warring parties. The evacuees, many of whom are malnourished, wounded, or disabled, were transported to areas controlled by Kyiv or Moscow with the help of US First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV.

The evacuation, which was facilitated by Ukraine's human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinez and his Russian counterpart Jana Lantratowa, is seen as a rare instance of cooperation between the two sides. Further humanitarian aid missions have been announced, with Lubinez suggesting that such efforts could pave the way for peace. Many residents, however, remain in Oleschky, citing reasons such as age, family ties, or a relatively stable life despite the war.