Sibiha: Evacuation from Oleshky could be a step towards expanding the peace process

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiha expressed the conviction that the results of the recent humanitarian mission in Oleshky, which is under temporary Russian occupation in Kherson region, could become an important confidence-building measure. In his words, this could pave the way for further steps in the context of a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Position on a ceasefire

The head of the diplomatic department emphasised Kyiv's principled position: "Якщо бойові дії можна зупинити в одному місці, їх можна зупинити скрізь і назавжди. Україна готова. Ми очікуємо того ж від Росії" (If hostilities can be stopped in one place, they can be stopped everywhere and forever. Ukraine is ready. We expect the same from Russia).

Evacuation of citizens and humanitarian access

Sibiha recalled that on this day, Ukrainian citizens evacuated from Oleshky crossed the state border in Chernihiv region. The minister stressed: "Після місяців голоду та ізоляції в умовах російської окупації вони нарешті в безпеці. Ті, хто вирішив залишитися, повинні мати безперешкодний гуманітарний доступ" (After months of hunger and isolation under Russian occupation, they are finally safe. Those who decided to stay must have unimpeded humanitarian access).

Thanks to partners for mediation

Separately, Sibiha expressed gratitude to the American side and First Lady Melania Trump for their mediation efforts. He also thanked Pope Leo XIV, Ukrainian partners, ministers and officials who helped overcome the humanitarian catastrophe in Oleshky. Ombudsman of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) Dmytro Lubinets and his team played a significant role in coordinating the operation on the ground.

International attention and good faith

The minister noted that for several months, Ukraine had been drawing the attention of the international community to the situation in Oleshky, including during meetings of the UN Security Council. Kyiv had repeatedly called on partners, international organisations and leaders of religious communities to take concrete action. Sibiha emphasised that Ukraine had acted in good faith and fulfilled its obligations.