On October 31, a humanitarian convoy from the occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region arrived in Ukraine via Belarus, evacuating over 750 people: the majority of them headed to Kiev-controlled territory, while the rest went to Russia. However, according to hromadske and a statement by Verkhovna Rada Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets, not everyone who wanted to leave was able to make it to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Among those left behind is volunteer Alla Likhman-Malysh, who cares for dozens of cats and dogs and is currently hospitalized after being injured on a mined road.
The 'Highway of Death' and the Animal Rights Activist's Injury
According to hromadske, Alla Likhman-Malysh was injured while walking along the so-called 'highway of death'—the route from Oleshky to the neighboring village of Radensk. Despite the mine danger and drone threats, locals use this road to get food. The woman refused evacuation because she could not take all her wards with her—according to her data, 30 cats and 40 dogs, totaling 70 animals. She is currently in the hospital.
Why Not Everyone Could Be Rescued
Other people wishing to leave for Ukrainian-controlled territory remain in the occupied town. During the previous evacuation, not all bedridden patients could be taken; some locals feared potential filtration in Russia, and residents of surrounding villages could not all reach the evacuation point due to mined roads. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets explained that the main task of the evacuation mission was to rescue Ukrainian citizens, and logistical capabilities were limited. According to him, in some cases, the Ukrainian side provided the Russian side with the addresses of people trapped in their homes; after the routes were demined and unblocked, they were taken to the evacuation point, and from there they decided where to go themselves.
The Promise to Rescue Her with 70 Animals
Lubinets emphasized that work on evacuating people from Oleshky continues. Regarding Alla Likhman-Malysh, he reported that Ukraine has already discussed with the Russian side the possibility of her leaving along with her 70 animals. 'I immediately said, if there is an opportunity, we will take her with 70 animals,' the ombudsman stated, adding that the Ukrainian side is ready to evacuate the animal rights activist along with her wards if appropriate opportunities arise.
Diplomatic Context
On the same day, October 31, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova announced an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to conduct regular humanitarian missions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kiev is ready to halt hostilities along all front-line sectors if Moscow takes a similar step, and suggested that the results of the evacuation in Oleshky could help build confidence and advance the peace process. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the humanitarian operation in Oleshky successful. It is also reported that during the ceasefire, the bodies of fallen servicemen and civilians were successfully removed from the Oleshky city morgue.
