Russian forces cleared bodies and rubbish in Oleshky before journalists arrived, broadcaster reports

Russian forces removed bodies and rubbish from streets in the temporarily occupied city of Oleshky before the start of a civilian evacuation and the arrival of journalists, Ukrainian public broadcaster hromadske reported, citing informed sources. The cleanup took place as preparations were under way for a humanitarian mission in the city.

Oleksandra Knyha, founder of the Kryla Foundation, described the cleanup while discussing conditions in Oleshky. Knyha, who maintains contact with residents and their families, said people welcomed the removal of bodies and accumulated waste because the streets had not been cleared for a long time. “They hadn't seen the town like that in ages,” she said.

Mariam Lambert, CEO of the Emile Foundation, separately relayed an account from an Oleshky resident who said workers were cleaning streets and painting curbs in preparation for cameras. Hromadske also reported that around 100 bodies were being held in the basement of the city's hospital, with some remaining there since winter. Residents described a stench so strong that they could not stay there for even a minute.

The broadcaster said the humanitarian mission might also include the removal of bodies of people who had died or been killed. Under an agreement between Russia and Ukraine, residents leaving Oleshky will travel through Russia and Belarus before reaching Ukraine. The office of Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets has explained the choice of route.

Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi initially announced that 527 residents of Oleshky, in Kherson Oblast, would return to Ukraine. He subsequently apologised and clarified that the figures were still changing. Official information, he said, would be available only after the evacuation had finished.

The operation follows a ceasefire in the Oleshky area that Lubinets said began at 03:00 Kyiv time on 27 October. Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed that the ceasefire had taken effect. It is scheduled to continue until 22:59 on 1 November.

On 23 October, the White House announced that Melania Trump had secured the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine for Oleshky, where a humanitarian disaster is unfolding.

By the evening of 30 October, Lubinets said the convoys transporting residents had separated and were continuing their journeys. He reported that no violations had been recorded during the humanitarian mission.