Aid Deliveries and Evacuations in Oleshky Begin After Demining Operation Wraps Up

Oct. 30, 2026 Smoke rises following an explosion during a demining operation conducted by the Russian military in the Ukrainian town of Oleshky. Russian Defense Ministry / Reuters Russia and Ukraine said Thursday that demining operations around the Russian-held town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine were finished and that evacuations and aid deliveries in the area could begin. Efforts have been underway for several weeks to organize a relief operation for the town's residents, who have faced acute shortages of food and medicine. Russia seized Oleshky shortly after President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both sides of the conflict have praised U.S. first lady Melania Trump for helping broker the ceasefire, which is limited to the area around Oleshky, located across the Dnipro River from the Ukrainian-held city of Kherson. "Demining operations of routes have been completed for the humanitarian mission in Oleshky," Ukraine and Russia said in virtually identical statements. "The humanitarian convoy is ready for departure." The convoy will head to a local hospital, and residents wishing to leave will be allowed to do so within a specific time frame. Aid packages will then be delivered, the statements read. Ukraine's human rights chief, Dmytro Lubinets, referred to Melania Trump when he extended Kyiv's "special thanks" to someone who was "personally devoting her time and attention to the humanitarian mission and assistance to civilians in Oleshky." Still, any hope of wider relief in the war appears to have been dashed away by a series of attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent days, including a strike on the main train station in the southeastern city of Dnipro that killed at least 14 people on Thursday. Neither Russia nor Ukraine has reported any violations of the ceasefire in Oleshky since it began on Tuesday. The pause in fighting is expected to last until Sunday. Reuters contributed reporting. Read more about: Ukraine war , Occupied Ukraine Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Ukrainian Attack on Occupied Kherson Kills At Least 2, Moscow-Backed Governor Says The Kremlin-installed governor Vladimir Saldo claimed Ukrainian forces had fired “cluster munitions” near a school in the town of Bekhtery. 1 Min read Italian City Cancels 'Propaganda' Mariupol Exhibition The exhibition and conference had been dedicated to the "rebirth" of Mariupol, the Ukrainian city that was virtually destroyed in a Russian siege. 1 Min read Putin Tells IAEA's Grossi Moscow is 'Open to Dialogue' on Ukraine Nuclear Plant Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday told UN nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi he was "open to dialogue" on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in... Pro-Moscow Officials in Occupied Ukraine to Hold Russia Annexation Votes Authorities in separatist- and Russia-occupied regions of Ukraine on Tuesday said they will stage referendums on formally joining Russia in a matter of...