After more than four years of occupation, residents of Oleshky reach free territory

Residents of Oleshky, a city under Russian occupation, crossed into Ukrainian-controlled territory during a rescue operation following a localized ceasefire. The evacuation involved travel by bus and plane through Russia and Belarus, facilitated by a ceasefire agreement mediated by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. Ukrainian authorities restricted information on the number of evacuees and border crossing details to protect those remaining in Oleshky. Approximately 2,000 residents had the choice to leave or stay, with those opting to return to Ukraine transported to Anapa, Russia, before flying to Belarus. Volunteers from various organizations assisted at the border, where families awaited reunions after years apart.