Kathrine Frich
Kyiv and Moscow are close to agreeing on a local ceasefire.
When war turns a hometown into a combat zone, ordinary residents often pay the highest price.
For years, thousands of people in one isolated region have waited for a safe way out.
Now, after relentless daily talks, a lifeline may finally be within reach.
Daily talks bring hope
On October 19, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets revealed that Kyiv and Moscow are close to agreeing on a local ceasefire and civilian rescue plan, as reported by United24 Media and Ukrainska Pravda.
The deal would move people out of the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky and six surrounding villages. According to Lubinets, Russian officials have considered every proposal that Ukraine put on the table.
“We are now moving towards agreeing the final details on ensuring a ceasefire and evacuating everyone who wishes to leave, not just from Oleshky elsewhere, but directly to territory controlled by the Ukrainian government,” Lubinets stated, according to the report.
Talks between the two sides are happening every single day. “There are still some difficult issues, so to speak, but I hope that in the near future we will all see results from these negotiations,” the human rights chief continued.
Trapped without basic supplies
Life inside Oleshky has grown desperate since Russian forces occupied the city back in 2022.
According to United24 Media, Russian restrictions on travel and relief deliveries have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, cutting off regular shipments of food and aid. At the same time, constant drone strikes and landmines along the roads make any escape attempt perilous.
Around 2,000 residents remain stuck inside Oleshky itself without enough water, power, medicine, or food.
Across the broader area covered by the planned rescue, Ukrainian officials estimate that roughly 6,000 civilians are holding on, including up to 200 children, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
Pressure from the Vatican
Even with obstacles remaining, Ukrainian negotiators sound optimistic about a breakthrough. “I can’t disclose many details, but I can say that, in my view, we have made as much progress as possible,” Lubinets added, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
International voices have also pushed for a truce in the area. Just days earlier, on October 16, Pope Leo XIV phoned Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss the crisis in Oleshky, United24 Media reported.
During that call, the pope urged Putin to back a ceasefire so food and medical supplies could get in and trapped locals could leave safely.
