Civilians rescued from Ukraine's front-line city Oleshki describe 'hell'
Summary
Civilians rescued from Ukraine’s Russian-occupied city of Oleshki say they returned from hell after enduring shelling, mines and food shortages for years. Hundreds were evacuated through Belarus to Chernihiv after a humanitarian ceasefire in Kherson region allowed a limited escape operation.
Key Points
- Hundreds of civilians were evacuated from Oleshki, a front-line city in Russian-occupied Ukraine, and brought to Chernihiv via Belarus.
- Rescued residents described years of shelling, landmines, drone threats and severe food shortages as life in the city became increasingly unbearable.
- A humanitarian ceasefire in Kherson region, initiated at the request of US First Lady Melania Trump, created a four-hour window for civilians to leave.
- Officials used 25 buses and ambulances to evacuate up to 750 people, while about 6,000 people are still believed to remain in Oleshki and nearby areas.
