A temporary ceasefire in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region enabled evacuees from Russian-occupied Oleshky to cross into Ukrainian-held territory on Saturday, turning a local security arrangement into a humanitarian evacuation corridor. The BBC reported that families reunited with evacuees at a site in Ukraine’s northern Chernihiv region after buses and ambulances crossed from Belarus. BBC reporting from the border
The truce began early Tuesday and was due to remain in place until Sunday evening, according to The Guardian’s report. The White House said US first lady Melania Trump helped broker the localised deal, while Pope Leo XIV urged Russia and Ukraine to permit aid deliveries and evacuations. The reported scope was therefore regional and time-limited, rather than a broad frontline ceasefire.
The evacuation operation began Friday. The Guardian reported that evacuees travelled through Russia and Belarus before arriving at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, where relatives and volunteers, including aid groups, received them. Ukrainian authorities have not disclosed how many people left Oleshky, citing security concerns and the need to protect residents who remained. Melania Trump said on Friday that the convoy could safely evacuate more than 750 people, but that figure was not presented as a confirmed total by Ukrainian authorities.
The evidence establishes that the truce permitted at least one completed humanitarian crossing and family reunifications. It does not establish that all civilians who wanted to leave were evacuated, or that the ceasefire will be extended. The Guardian reported that an estimated 2,000 people were still in Oleshky when the arrangement took effect and that residents could choose evacuation to Ukrainian- or Russian-held territory, or remain in the city with replenished supplies.
Russia’s human rights commissioner said the sides had agreed to regular humanitarian missions around Oleshky, but the Guardian noted that Ukraine’s ombudsman did not mention that claim. Any wider mechanism therefore remains disputed rather than an adopted, jointly confirmed policy.