Demining of routes for the humanitarian convoy has been completed in Oleshky

The military have released footage from Oleshky, which the Russians destroyed. Screenshot from a video by the 34th Separate Marine Brigade

Preparations for the humanitarian mission in Oleshky are entering their final stage. Demining of the designated routes has been completed, and the humanitarian convoy has been assembled and prepared for departure. It is expected to arrive at the central hospital, where civilians will be provided with the necessary assistance.

This was announced by Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament’s Commissioner for Human Rights.

According to him, people wishing to leave the town will be given the opportunity to do so until 14:00. The necessary security measures will be put in place to ensure this. The distribution of humanitarian aid is scheduled to begin after 14:30.

Delegations from Ukraine, the Russian Federation and the United States of America have now gathered to coordinate further actions as part of the humanitarian mission. Journalists from the three countries are also present at the scene.

«We are carrying out this humanitarian mission jointly with Yana Lantratova, the Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation, through the mediation and coordination of the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump. Our common goal is to deliver humanitarian aid to the civilian population and to facilitate the safe departure of all those who wish to leave the city,» the statement reads.

Dmytro Lubinets thanked Melania Trump for her involvement in reaching the humanitarian agreements and noted that work on their implementation is ongoing.

«We are continuing to work with Yana Lantratova on their implementation. Our unwavering priority is the lives and safety of the civilian population,» the Ombudsman emphasised.

A humanitarian mission has begun in Oleshky

Oleshky, on the left bank of the Kherson region, has been under Russian occupation since the start of the full-scale invasion. Due to the fighting and damage to infrastructure, local residents have limited access to food, drinking water and medicines. According to Ukrainian estimates, around two thousand people remain in the town.

On 23 October, Ukraine and Russia, with the mediation of US First Lady Melania Trump, agreed on a humanitarian mission in Oleshky. It provides for a ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian aid and the opportunity for civilians to leave.

The mission began on 27 October. On the Ukrainian side, it is being co-ordinated by Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada’s Commissioner for Human Rights. According to him, demining of the roads leading to Oleshky is currently underway and may take around two days. After that, the plan is to deliver drinking water, food, medicines and equipment for the local hospital.

At the same time, according to Dmytro Lubinets, some residents wish to remain in Oleshky. The issue of delivering humanitarian aid to these people is being dealt with separately.