Evacuation of Oleshky residents may take place via Crimea along a route determined by Russia

Preparations for the evacuation of civilians from occupied Oleshky in Kherson region are taking concrete shape. According to information obtained by the Financial Times from sources, the evacuation is scheduled to begin on Thursday, 29 October. The primary direction of movement is expected to be the territory of Crimea.

Moscow's role in determining the route

Kherson media previously reported on preparatory measures, citing representatives of the Oleshky community. According to this data, Russia will determine the logistical route for people to exit. Buses and ambulances are planned to be used to organise the transportation.

Meanwhile, official representatives of neither Ukraine nor Russia have yet disclosed details regarding the specific evacuation route. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Russia might attempt to direct the evacuation of people towards the Russian Federation with the aim of keeping them on Russian territory.

Right to choose and ceasefire conditions

Preliminary reports indicate that Oleshky residents will be given the opportunity to independently choose where to go: to Russia or to territory under Ukrainian control. If people are first evacuated to the Russian Federation or to occupied territories, they will subsequently be able to leave the country. There is also the possibility of voluntarily moving to Ukraine, European Union countries, or another state.

The humanitarian operation is being prepared against the backdrop of a local ceasefire in the Oleshky area. The ceasefire regime began on 27 October and will remain in effect until 22:59 on 1 November. This is intended to create the necessary conditions for conducting the humanitarian operation.