Ukrainians Describe 'Hell' After Evacuation From Russian-Occupied Oleshky

Hundreds of Ukrainian residents evacuated from the Russian-occupied frontline city of Oleshky have described their experiences as "hell," recounting years of intense shelling, dwindling supplies, and perilous journeys to safety.

Olha and Viacheslav, a couple who returned to northern Ukraine with their immediate family and dog, were among those who crossed into the Chernihiv region on Saturday. "We came back from hell," Viacheslav stated, echoing Olha's description of life in Oleshky as "horror."

Oleshky, seized by Russian forces in the early days of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, is situated between the Dnipro River and Russian-controlled territory. Residents faced constant danger, with escape routes reportedly mined and subject to drone attacks. Earlier this month, Olha and Viacheslav attempted to find food by crossing through minefields, witnessing people being killed or maimed. "People were stepping on mines, dying and being maimed, all just to survive," Olha told the BBC. Those who remained in the city resorted to cooking garden weeds to survive as supplies diminished.

The opportunity for evacuation arose with a humanitarian ceasefire brokered in the Kherson region, providing a rare period of peace that allowed residents to leave.

Up to 6,000 people, including 200 children, were believed to have been living in and around Oleshky. On Friday, residents had a four-hour window to evacuate. A convoy of 25 buses transported up to 750 individuals, with ambulances available for those with limited mobility. The journey involved traveling through Russian-occupied territory to southern Russia, then flying to Belarus before arriving by bus at a military facility in Chernihiv on Saturday. Some elderly evacuees were so weak they required stretchers, while others experienced emotional reunions with loved ones.

Tetiana and Volodymyr, a couple who lost their home to fire three years ago and had been living in an abandoned neighbor's house, found leaving an easy decision. "There's nothing for us to regret leaving," said Tetiana, noting their children were grown and lived elsewhere.

Many evacuees expressed concern for those left behind in Oleshky. "There are still a lot of people left there, living under those conditions," Olha said.

Upon arrival in Chernihiv, evacuees face the challenge of rebuilding their lives. Palii, an evacuee, expressed his readiness to take on any available work, stating, "There's no job I can't handle. Digging, hoeing, planting, building. I can even do demolition work." Olha and her family plan to stay with acquaintances while they get back on their feet, expressing resilience: "If we managed to survive in hell, we'll survive here too."