World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Oleshky residents bound for Ukraine arrive in Belarus
Residents from Oleshky who chose Ukraine arrived in Gomel, Belarus, after leaving the Russian-controlled town in southern Ukraine.
The evacuation took place on Oct.
30 during a local ceasefire that began on Oct.
27.
The pause allowed roads to be cleared of mines and food, medicine and other supplies to reach the town, where fighting and drone activity had disrupted deliveries.
Some residents had faced severe food shortages after deliveries stopped, according to residents.
The evacuees were due to continue to Ukraine by bus from Gomel, following a long route through Crimea and Russia.
It is not clear how many left for Ukraine or how many stayed, though Ukrainian officials said about 1,700 people remained in Oleshky.
The ceasefire was due to last until late on Nov.
1, according to Russian officials.
Residents evacuated from Russian-controlled Oleshky arrived in Belarus on Oct. 31 on their way to Ukraine.
Reports differed on the number of planes: Straits Times and AP said four, while SCMP reported three.
The evacuees travelled by bus through Crimea to Anapa in Russia, then flew to Gomel in Belarus.
The evacuation was part of a joint humanitarian operation during a local ceasefire in Ukraine’s Kherson region.
The operation also brought food and other supplies to Oleshky, where fighting and disrupted deliveries had left residents facing shortages.
- Who
- Oleshky residents who chose to travel to Ukrainian-held territory.
- What
- They arrived in Belarus after evacuation from Oleshky and were due to continue to Ukraine.
- When
- They arrived on Oct. 31, 2026.
- Where
- They landed in Gomel, Belarus, after travelling from Anapa, Russia.
- Why
- They chose to leave Oleshky for Ukraine as part of a humanitarian evacuation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Reports said the humanitarian operation in Oleshky had been agreed.
A local ceasefire began in the Kherson region.
Residents were evacuated from Oleshky as food and essential supplies were delivered.
Evacuees bound for Ukraine arrived in Gomel, Belarus.
- Origin
- Oleshky, Kherson region, Ukraine
- Arrival
- Gomel, Belarus
- Evacuation date
- Oct. 30, 2026
- Arrival date
- Oct. 31, 2026
- Route
- Oleshky by bus via Crimea to Anapa, then by plane to Belarus
- Plane count
- Reports ranged from three to four
5 sources
Oleshky Evacuees Arrive in Belarus Before Heading to Ukraine
Residents of Russian-controlled Ukrainian town Oleshky arrive in Belarus
Evacuees from Russian-occupied Oleshky arrive in Belarus
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What people are saying
The last, fourth plane landed in Gomel
within hours
This is good for human rights work