Joint Russian-Ukrainian mission evacuates residents from occupied Oleshky

A joint Russian-Ukrainian humanitarian operation evacuated residents from the occupied town of Oleshky (Aleshki) in Ukraine's Kherson region on Friday, marking the first such mission since the war began. Both delegations have left the town. The operation, initiated by the US First Lady, was led by Ukrainian and Russian ombudsmen Dmitry Lubinets and Yana Lantratova. Evacuees heading to Ukrainian-controlled territory traveled via Anapa, Russia, and Gomel, Belarus. Lantratova reported no incidents, with 25 buses and nine ambulances used. The ceasefire, brokered by Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV, began November 27 and lasts until Sunday. Over 750 people were evacuated, while humanitarian aid was delivered to those remaining. The Kremlin cautioned this is an isolated situation, not a broader settlement process.