Evacuees Reunite with Family at Ukrainian-Belarusian Border
Chernihiv Region, Ukraine - In a significant humanitarian effort, evacuees from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky have begun to arrive at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, where they were reunited with family members and received aid from volunteers and relief organizations.
The evacuees, who traveled by bus and plane through Russia and Belarus, were welcomed by relatives and volunteers from the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and World Central Kitchen. The group included people of all ages, from just over a year old to 94, and brought pets such as dogs, cats, a parrot, and a raccoon.
One evacuee, Tetiana Leonidivna, 71, expressed her gratitude to the Ukrainian soldiers who helped her escape, saying "We love them, we love them. We know that they are protecting us. And a deep bow to them, and a deep bow to their parents, for having such children. I am proud, I am simply proud."
The ceasefire in Ukraine's southern Kherson region, which began on Tuesday, is expected to continue through Sunday evening. The White House has credited U.S. first lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV with helping to broker the localized deal.
Ukrainian authorities have not disclosed the exact number of evacuees, but an estimated 2,000 people were still living in Oleshky when the temporary truce took hold. Many residents chose to remain in the city, which has been under Russian occupation for over two years.
