First Civilians Evacuated from Russian-Held Oleskyi in Ukraine

The first civilians have been evacuated from the Russian-controlled Ukrainian city of Oleskyi, which has been described as "hell on earth," and have crossed the border into Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked US First Lady Melania Trump for her role in mediating the operation. The evacuees were transported via Belarus as part of a humanitarian operation, following a local ceasefire in the Kherson area and the clearing of mines on roads into the city. Zelenskyy stated that residents who wished to leave have now been extracted from the city and surrounding area, ending months of shortages of food, water, and medicine for many. Around 200 people accepted evacuation, with most choosing to go to Ukraine and a few dozen opting for Russia. The operation was mediated by human rights commissioners from both countries with US support, and is described as the first local ceasefire since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.