Oleshky evacuation begins under US-brokered ceasefire

Four-hour pause in fighting allows long-awaited evacuation from Oleshky

The evacuation in the Kherson region follows a ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump, which has held along the frontline since Tuesday. 

The temporary halt gave engineers time to remove mines from the road residents need to use to get out.

According to a BBC report, a total of 25 buses arrived in the city, offering space for as many as 750 people. Medical teams and ambulances were also on hand to help anyone who needed assistance during the journey. 

The operation was scheduled to finish at 14:00 local time, when the agreed evacuation window closed.

Authorities in both Russia and Ukraine have confirmed that people are leaving. 

However, several hundred residents have chosen to remain in Oleshky, despite the difficult conditions. The city has been left without gas, electricity or running water.

Evacuees flown to Belarus before making their way home by road

Getting to Ukrainian-controlled territory is far from straightforward. Although it lies only 5km (3.1 miles) from Oleshky, evacuees cannot cross the frontline directly. 

Instead, the agreed journey takes them through Russian-occupied areas to Anapa in southern Russia.

From there, a Russian government aircraft carries residents to Gomel in Belarus. They then continue by road into Ukraine's Chernihiv region. 

Others are expected to remain in territory controlled by Russia after leaving the city.

The operation marks a significant moment for residents who have had no organised opportunity to leave since the occupation began. 

For those choosing to go, however, reaching safety means taking a lengthy route through Russia and Belarus before they can return to Ukrainian-held territory.