
ALT We welcome the ongoing ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky. Civilians must be free to move safely, access humanitarian aid, and reunite with loved ones. We are deeply alarmed by reports that Russia is denying Oleshky residents the right to evacuate to Ukrainian-controlled territory and instead seeking to forcibly deport them to occupied Crimea or Russia. Forcibly transferring or deporting civilians from occupied territory is a war crime. Russia must immediately end these coercive practices and allow civilians to leave for territory of their choosing. After starving residents and trapping them under the threat of relentless drone attacks, Moscow must not turn this ceasefire into another instrument of repression. These abuses are part of Russia’s broader pattern of atrocities against Ukrainians, including the abduction of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. Russia must be held accountable for its war crimes, and the people of Oleshky must be free to return to safety at home.





































