US First Lady Melania Trump announced this Wednesday that Russia and Ukraine have launched demining tasks in the areas near the city of Oleshki, in the province of Kherson, as an essential preliminary step to ensure the arrival of humanitarian aid under safe conditions.
"Russia and Ukraine have initiated demining operations to guarantee the safe passage of humanitarian aid toward Oleshki," as part of the ceasefire that she herself proposed last Friday.
Melania Trump thus responded to the statement from the commissioner for Human Rights of the Ukrainian Parliament, Dimitro Lubinets, who stressed that this mine removal "is a crucial step to guarantee the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and help civilians who wish to leave the city".
Lubinets has highlighted the cooperation of his Russian counterpart, Yana Lantratova, throughout the entire procedure. "Our shared goal is to ensure that people receive assistance and have the opportunity to reach a safe place," he noted.
The Russian representative also ratified the beginning of the demining work "on the routes for the delivery of humanitarian aid and evacuation of civilians" from Oleshki, while "preparations continue" with Lubinets.
"This is essential to carry out the humanitarian mission (...) Now it is fundamental to guarantee safe passage through these roads so that people can leave the city. This is where we are focusing our efforts. We continue working to implement the agreements reached, save lives and help the neighbors," Lantratova added.
This same Wednesday, Ukrainian president Volodimir Zelenski admitted that he still does not know what the final destination will be for the people who choose to be evacuated, although he pointed out that the "easiest" thing would be their transfer to the part of the Kherson region that remains under Moscow's control.
"I also know that there are many people there who want to go to territory controlled by Ukraine. I know how the evacuation to Ukraine can technically be carried out, but I do not know how it will be in practice," he stated in an appearance before the press.
Oleshki, occupied by Russian forces, has become one of the main symbols of the destruction and famine resulting from the conflict. Tens of thousands of residents survive practically without food, electricity or medication.
The Police of Jersón has likewise warned this Wednesday that "there are no safe zones" throughout the province, similarly to what occurs in other areas of the coast. "All are potentially mined because all were bombarded, attacked by drones and land mines were recorded almost everywhere," the police force has warned.