The key facts

  • A demining specialist and one other person were killed while clearing roads in Oleshky — according to TASS, citing ombudswoman Lantratova
  • Both sides confirm that the ceasefire in the humanitarian mission zone is being observed
  • 25 buses (over 750 seats), 9 ambulances, and more than 50 medical workers are involved

Deaths of deminers during preparations for a humanitarian mission

Two people, including a demining specialist, were killed while clearing roads for a humanitarian mission in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, which is under Russian control. The TASS agency reported this, citing Yana Lantratova, the human rights commissioner in Russia, Anadolu writes. “One demining specialist and one other person were killed during the operation. We express our condolences to their families and loved ones,” the outlet quoted Lantratova as saying.

The ceasefire is being observed, the mission continues

Despite the deaths, Lantratova stated on Telegram that the ceasefire in the humanitarian mission zone remains in force: no incidents have been recorded, and both the Russian and Ukrainian sides are fulfilling their obligations. She is heading to Oleshky together with Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada's commissioner for human rights, to coordinate the implementation of the agreements reached with the assistance of US First Lady Melania Trump.

Scale of the evacuation and conditions of the mission

According to Lantratova, 25 buses with a total capacity of more than 750 passengers, nine ambulances, and more than 50 medical workers have been deployed for the voluntary evacuation of Oleshky residents. Lubinets separately confirmed that the temporary ceasefire is in effect and that the mission is proceeding under the agreements with Lantratova with the support and coordination of the Trumps. In his words, the priority is delivering aid to elderly people, people with disabilities, and those who cannot take care of themselves. “Everyone who wishes to leave Oleshky will be able to do so safely. Those who decide to stay will be able to stay and will receive all the necessary humanitarian assistance,” he wrote on X.

Duration of the ceasefire

The ceasefire agreed upon by Donald Trump with Russia and Ukraine for Oleshky — a city Moscow has controlled since 2022 — came into force on Tuesday at 01:00 GMT to deliver humanitarian aid and evacuate civilians. It will remain in effect until 22:59 (20:59 GMT) on Sunday. Thus, the deaths of two people during demining occurred while the ceasefire was in effect; however, according to both sides, it continues to be observed.