Tragedy during mine clearing and the first such convoy in months. The eyes of the world are on Ołeszki

Oleski, located only 4 kilometers from Kherson, was under occupation from the beginning of the Russian invasion. The city, located on the left bank of the Dnieper, has become a symbol of the dramatic humanitarian situation. For many weeks, residents have been living in extremely difficult conditions - without access to basic foodstuffs and drinking water. According to American estimates, there are about 2,000 people in Ołeszki, including 50 children.

On Thursday, a delegation consisting of representatives of Ukraine, the United States and Russia arrived at the starting point of the humanitarian convoy. According to Davyd Arachamija, chairman of the parliamentary faction of the Ukrainian president's party, journalists from three countries are also present on site to ensure maximum transparency of the entire operation.

The White House announced that the events would be documented by an American television crew from Newsmax, and the observers also included reporters from France, Italy, Ukraine and Russia.

An aid convoy is on its way

On the night from Thursday to Friday, the first humanitarian convoy set off towards Ołeszki. According to the Russian daily "Izvestia", the transport includes food, water, medicines and other necessary items. The convoy also included passenger buses to enable the evacuation of residents most in need.

Russian human rights ombudsman Jana Lantratova confirmed that both the Russian and Ukrainian sides fully comply with their obligations regarding the ceasefire. Residents can leave Ołeszki until 2 p.m. local time on Friday. While clearing access roads, there was an explosion - two people died, including one sapper.

A truce initiated by Melania Trump

The US first lady, Melania Trump, played a key role in bringing about the truce. According to White House announcements, she was the initiator of the talks that led to the ceasefire in Oleski. The truce, which was originally supposed to start on October 29, came into force on October 27 at 3:00 a.m. Ukrainian time and will last until November 1 at 10:59 p.m.

The ceasefire was also extended beyond the town itself to allow for the safe arrival of humanitarian convoys. This is the result of many weeks of negotiations and international pressure aimed at rescuing civilians trapped in the city.

Mined access roads, starving inhabitants

Ołeszki have been cut off from the world for many months. Access roads have been mined, and Russian drones regularly patrol the area, preventing the free movement of people. According to information provided by the Human Rights Ombudsman of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubints, the city's inhabitants are starving and have no access to drinking water. Lubinec himself went to Oleski via Belarus and Russia to personally supervise the operation.