Kremlin Human Rights Chief Takes U.S. Journalists Into Besieged Ukrainian Town Ahead of Evacuations

Oct. 29, 2026 A satellite view of a road leading in and out of Oleshky, Kherson region. © Airbus DS 2026 / Handout via REUTERS Russia's human rights chief Yana Lantratova said Thursday that she was traveling with a team of American journalists to the occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky as Moscow and Kyiv enforce a temporary ceasefire in the area to allow for evacuations and the delivery of humanitarian supplies to locals. Lantratova said the four journalists were from the U.S. conservative outlet Newsmax. Her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Lubinets, was also traveling to the area around Oleshky, she added. "We have been preparing this mission since May, thoroughly planning every stage, including the preparation of the humanitarian convoy," Lantratova wrote in a post on Telegram. Neither Russia nor Ukraine has reported any violations of the ceasefire, which was brokered by the Trump administration and began on Tuesday. Russia took control of Oleshky in the early days of its 2022 invasion. Residents of the town have faced regular shelling, as well as acute shortages of food and medicine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that demining efforts were underway in Oleshky, according to the Interfax news agency. "We hope that today or tomorrow residents will be able to receive humanitarian aid safely and without obstruction, and that those wishing to leave will be able to do so," Peskov was quoted as saying. The ceasefire in Oleshky also applies to its surrounding areas in the wider Kherson region. Reuters contributed reporting. Read more about: Occupied Ukraine , United States , Ukraine war , Journalists 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 Russia, Ukraine Agree on Ceasefire in Embattled Oleshky, Plan New Peace Talks Next Month The pause in fighting will allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and facilitate civilian evacuations from the town, the White House said. 5 Min read Russian-Installed Official Killed in Occupied Ukraine Vladimir Leontyev, 61, started collaborating with Russian forces and was appointed mayor of Nova Kakhovka soon after the town was captured in April 2022... 1 Min read U.S. Citizen Killed in Moscow-Held Donetsk – Russian Media Russell Bentley, 64, was known to have fought with Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine and had been given Russian nationality. 1 Min read Ex-Russian State TV Reporter Sent to 'Punishment Pit' in Occupied Ukraine Ilya Andreyev was reportedly sentenced to punishment in a hole dug in the ground after he asked for 10 days of leave to renew his expired passport. 2 Min read