Russia may relocate Oleshky residents to Crimea despite ceasefire

A ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky is holding, but residents cannot evacuate directly to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Russian officials plan to move them to Crimea instead, though many reportedly wish to stay. The 30-hour truce has passed without incident, according to both Ukrainian and Russian human rights officials. The area is heavily mined, and Moscow-installed authorities say evacuation may require travel through occupied Crimea. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy believes Russia is clearing mines to direct residents eastward. The Institute for the Study of War notes uncertainty over how Russia will treat evacuees, potentially denying return to Ukraine for those who took Russian passports. Most who wanted to flee have already left, and the ceasefire also allows humanitarian aid deliveries to the city, where food shortages have driven residents to hunt pigeons.