Evacuations Underway in Russian-Occupied Town of Oleshky

Starving and exhausted residents have begun evacuating from the devastated, Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine. Following the opening of an evacuation corridor on Friday, October 30, civilians are finally able to leave the frontline settlement.

The departure of these residents is the result of a joint relief operation involving both opposing sides in the conflict. This rare coordination represents the first collaborative humanitarian effort of its kind to take place in four years and eight months of warfare.

While the corridor offers a route out of the area, a portion of the population has declined the opportunity to leave. Several hundred people have decided to remain in Oleshky, despite the town currently suffering from a complete lack of gas, electricity, and running water.