Zelenskyy says evacuees from Oleshky crossed into Ukraine's Chernihiv region
- Ukrainian president expresses hope that humanitarian access to Russian-controlled city will remain open
By Kanyshai Butun
ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian citizens evacuated from the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky have crossed into Ukraine’s Chernihiv region, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.
On US social media platform X, Zelenskyy said those who needed evacuation had been taken out of the city and surrounding communities, expressing hope that humanitarian access would remain open.
He added that all evacuees would get the assistance they need and called on government agencies and regional and local authorities to help them adapt.
Zelenskyy said the humanitarian operation was carried out during a ceasefire in the Kherson sector, which allowed roads leading to the Ukrainian city of Oleshky to be cleared of mines and aid to be delivered.
“When the world pays attention, people are rescued. Further steps toward de-escalation and real progress toward peace are also needed," he said, thanking everyone involved in the process.
A ceasefire brokered by US first lady Melania Trump between Russia and Ukraine in Oleshky, which Moscow took control of in 2022, the first year of the war, took effect on Tuesday to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations.
It is set to conclude at 10.59 pm local time (2059GMT) on Sunday.