Evacuees from Russian-held Oleshky describe years in the front-line city and crossing minefields in search of food

Summary

Civilians have been evacuated from Oleshky, a front-line town in southern Ukraine that has been held by Russia for years. One evacuated couple told the BBC that they crossed minefields in the town while searching for food. The New York Times reports that evacuees, after enduring years in the combat zone and a 24-hour journey, reached safety outside Oleshky and reunited with family and friends.

Timeline

1. BBC

   31 Oct 2026, 19:22 UTCSource ↗

   The BBC reports that one evacuated couple say they crossed minefields in Russian-occupied Oleshky in search of food, after years living in the frontline city.

2. New York Times

   31 Oct 2026, 20:36 UTCSource ↗

   The New York Times reports that civilians who got out of Oleshky after years in the combat zone and a harrowing 24-hour journey reunited with family and friends.