Evacuation begins from occupied Oleshky under local ceasefire

Residents began leaving the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky on Friday under a localized ceasefire that allowed Ukrainian and Russian officials to coordinate an evacuation and deliver humanitarian aid. The operation started, but authorities have not provided a verified count of how many people ultimately left. The ceasefire took effect Tuesday across the Kherson region and was due to expire on Sunday, November 1. In Oleshky, residents could choose whether to travel toward Ukraine or Russia. Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratova were present to coordinate the operation and speak with residents. Officials said 25 buses were available, with capacity for up to 750 people. Reports showed groups boarding, and one account described hundreds as having been evacuated, but the final number is not established. Ambulances and medical personnel were also part of the operation, and a bus with cages was provided for people bringing pets. The planned route to Ukrainian-controlled territory passes through Russia and Belarus. Ukrainian officials said evacuees were heading first to southern Russia, with onward travel through...