Ukraine withholds Oleshky evacuee numbers under agreements with Russia – Lubinets

On November 2, Ukraine's Parliamentary Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets reported that Ukrainian officials had recovered the bodies of individuals killed in occupied Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, during a recent ceasefire. Lubinets stated that Ukraine was in the process of negotiating the return of these bodies to territory under its control, utilizing the same route and method employed for the repatriation of fallen soldiers between Kyiv and Moscow.

"The bodies of the deceased will be handed over to Ukraine, in the same manner as monthly repatriations of our Heroes who perished while protecting the state, are conducted by the Russian side," Lubinets emphasized, adding that the same path previously utilized would be employed in this scenario.

The ceasefire in Oleshky, which had been in effect in eastern Kherson Oblast, concluded on November 1. While Kyiv had desired to prolong the truce, Russia had declined their request, as reported by AFP. According to Ukraine's General Staff, Russian forces exploited the humanitarian pause to enhance their positions. Throughout this period, Ukrainian troops observed Russian unit rotations, fortification efforts, anti-drone security measures along roads, and an increase in logistics buildup.

The ceasefire in Oleshky, along with other settlements in Kherson Oblast, began at 3 a.m. on October 27. During this time, mine-clearing activities took place, and humanitarian aid was delivered to Oleshky, where approximately 1,700 people faced food and medicine shortages. The primary phase of the humanitarian mission, involving the evacuation, commenced on October 30.

Fifty-five buses, with a combined seating capacity of 750, were prepared for this purpose. Residents of Oleshky who wished to return to Kyiv-controlled territory traveled to Anapa in Russia's Krasnodar Krai. From there, they were transported to Belarus via four planes and subsequently continued by bus to Ukraine. Conversely, those opting to leave for Russia were also evacuated. Some residents opted to remain in the settlement.

Commencing on October 31, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the successful completion of the humanitarian evacuation operation.