Putin proposes humanitarian mission in Kostiantynivka modeled on Oleshky operation

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed organizing a humanitarian mission in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, modeled on the late-October operation in Oleshky, Kherson Oblast. He stated Russia needs five days to demine the area near the city. Putin suggested that if Kyiv claims to control Kostiantynivka, it should ensure security on its own side. The proposal follows the Oleshky mission, which ran from October 27 to November 1 under a silence regime, evacuating over 750 people, with most returning to Ukraine. The Oleshky operation involved coordination with international figures, including Melania Trump, and drew criticism from journalist Azad Safarov, who reported Russians used the period to move equipment and weapons. Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets confirmed the removal of bodies from the city morgue under the agreement.