Nate Mook

I was tasked by @FLOTUS @melaniatrump to act as the lone American media representative on the ground reporting on the humanitarian mission in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky. I traveled with delegations from Russia and Ukraine—guided by the Russian military—to the frontline war-torn city to observe the evacuation of 800 people who have been trapped in the crossfire since the town was captured in 2022. Traveling through Russia, Crimea and, finally, occupied Ukraine, we witnessed the tragedies that have been brought on by Vladimir Putin’s invasion. The mission was a success. @newsmax

Horrific attack. Ceasefire in Oleshky yes, meanwhile Russia has killed hundreds of innocent civilians across Ukraine recently.

An utterly horrific Russian attack on the settlement of Komyshuvakha in the Zaporizhzhia region. Since this morning, the settlement has been hit several times by aerial bombs. The strikes targeted a school used for humanitarian purposes – people were receiving humanitarian aid there. After the first aerial bomb strike, there was a double-tap strike with nine more bombs, specifically targeting the shelter where people were taking cover. Tragically, 18 people have already been reported killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Five people have been injured. A rescue operation is underway at the site, and the search for people continues. It is extremely difficult. Military forces, first responders, and special services are involved. The Russians could not have been unaware that every week, local residents who had remained in Komyshuvakha received humanitarian aid at that very location. And this is further proof that Russia wants no de-escalation and no real justice. After the humanitarian operation in Oleshky, there was a moment when the next steps could have shown that progress toward peace was possible. With these killings, Russia is sending an entirely opposite signal: Russia is counting on more killings. There must be a response to this – a response from the world. A strong and tough response. A response to Russia. And support for Ukraine. We must protect lives. Thank you to everyone who is helping!

Russia has bombed Komyshuvakha in Zaporizhzhia region, deliberately striking a school where civilians were receiving humanitarian aid. After the initial strike, nine more bombs hit the shelter where people had taken cover. At least 18 people have been killed and five injured. Rescue operations are ongoing. This is another clear signal that Russia has no intention of de-escalation or peace. Its actions demand a strong response, increased pressure on Moscow, and continued support for Ukraine.

At least 18 dead, 27 missing after Russia attacked an aid distribution centre in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia region. The regional admin head says NINE three-tonne bombs hit the village centre.

A Reuters camera crew rode an overnight passenger train from Dnipro to Odesa as its crew and travelers endured evacuations and air raid alerts, as the threat of deadly Russian drone strikes interrupt travel for citizens going about their lives reut.rs/4jGkvBm

The evacuation of people from Oleshky has finished. Buses with people are finally in Ukraine. And I cannot stop thinking that just five years ago, these people lived peaceful lives, raised their children, tended their gardens, and were happy. Then Russian soldiers came to their land.  People were hunted with drones, isolated and starved, and their homes were flooded when the Russians blew up the Kakhovka dam. Throughout all these years, they watched their neighbors and relatives die before their eyes. It reached the point where people could no longer bury their dead, and dogs tore apart their bodies.  After months of relentless horror, Russia finally allowed them to be evacuated. It took the intervention of the Pope, the First Lady of the United States, persistent appeals from the UN, a hunger strike by the Vice-President of the European Parliament, and a months-long campaign by Ukrainian volunteers. And now these exhausted people are leaving their homes, the graves of their loved ones, and their entire lives behind, traveling by bus into the unknown.  These people leave the land of their ancestors. And before long, Russia will settle the occupied territories with Russians, who will gladly move into other people’s homes from which their owners were driven out. This is a policy of artificially changing the demographic composition of the population, which Russia has pursued throughout all the years of the war, starting with the occupation of Crimea. Russian propaganda portrays this evacuation as a display of the Russians’ lofty humanism. But it is nothing but cynicism.  The case of Oleshky shows exactly what Russian occupation is. And it also demonstrates that Russia can commit the most horrific crimes in the occupied territories right before the eyes of the entire world. Video Marian Kushnir

If Russia could stop the fire in Oleshky for several days, it can stop it along the whole frontline. Russia can end this war today if it wants to! Instead, they make a choice to continue their invasion every single day.

Along with their human families, starving dogs & cats from occupied Oleshky have arrived safely into Ukraine! Our Hachiko team was there to welcome them and make sure plenty of pet food & water was available after the horrors of the past year in Oleshky.