Oleshky evacuees reach Ukraine after detour through Russia

Hundreds of residents from Russian-occupied Oleshky, Ukraine, have reached Ukrainian-controlled territory after a 19-hour evacuation through Crimea, Russia, and Belarus under a temporary ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the operation's success, with evacuees arriving in the Chernihiv region on Saturday. The journey involved a convoy of 25 buses, ambulances, and humanitarian vehicles entering Oleshky on October 30, with roads cleared of mines during the ceasefire. Residents traveled to Crimea, then Russia, and flew to Belarus before crossing into Ukraine, reuniting families separated for over two years due to the active frontline, destroyed bridges, and landmine dangers. Evacuees described constant attacks, food scarcity, and no bread, relying on garden vegetables to survive. Zelensky thanked the US and Melania Trump for mediation, hoping humanitarian access continues. One person was killed and four injured by landmines in a September escape attempt.