Civilians Evacuated from Oleshky Amid Rare Humanitarian Truce

Residents from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky began arriving in Belarus on Saturday as part of a humanitarian evacuation effort. The operation follows a localized ceasefire in the Kherson region that began early Tuesday and is scheduled to conclude Sunday evening.

Under the terms of the truce, approximately 2,000 residents were given the choice to move to either Russian or Ukrainian-controlled areas, or stay in their homes with new supplies of food and medicine. Those heading toward Ukrainian territory were transported through Russia to Belarus, where they were met by medical teams and aid workers.

The mission was supported by international figures, including the U.S. first lady and Pope Leo XIV, who encouraged both sides to allow for civilian movement and aid. Officials from Ukraine and Russia collaborated directly to manage the transport of the evacuees.

Separately, the U.S. State Department authorized a $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot interceptors to Ukraine. The purchase is being funded by donations from Canada, Germany, and Norway, though President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the delivery of these weapons could take significant time.