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THIS IS NOT JUST A RESCUE STORY. THIS IS WHAT RUSSIA HAS PUT UKRAINIANS THROUGH. Today, the world is discussing the evacuation of Ukrainians from Russian-occupied Oleshky: four planes, buses, international negotiations, and Melania Trump being celebrated as a rescuer. But why is everyone celebrating the rescue while paying so little attention to who created the conditions these people needed rescuing from? I currently live near the Kherson region. Oleshky is approximately 90 minutes away by car, if we could travel freely within our own country. Instead, Ukrainians must travel through occupied territories, Russia’s Anapa, Belarusian Gomel, and finally back into Ukrainian-controlled territory. Almost an entire day of travelling instead of 90 minutes. Do you understand how absurd this is? Ukrainians must travel through the country that occupied their homes just to return to their own country. Yes, I’m genuinely happy for every person returning home and every family finally reunited. But I cannot celebrate the fact that such an operation was necessary. Behind these planes and diplomatic agreements are years of occupation, fear, isolation, and suffering. Journalist Halyna Ostapovets of Novyny.LIVE documented testimonies from families waiting for their loved ones. Nineteen-year-old Liza Balii last saw her father in January 2024. She left Oleshky with her mother and sister, while he remained behind. They thought they would be separated for a month or two. Almost three years have passed. Liza explained that people remaining under occupation have not stopped loving Ukraine. Many fear Russian filtration, interrogations, and the uncertainty of leaving. She also described horrifying conditions: a non-functioning morgue, bodies reportedly kept in a barracks, and civilians killed by landmines while trying to obtain food. Another woman, Iryna, described her destroyed home, flooded almost to the roof following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. She is waiting for her godfather, her last close relative remaining in Oleshky. Imagine knowing someone you love is trapped under occupation, unable to protect them or simply bring them home. And against this background, the world celebrates a successful humanitarian mission. I acknowledge the importance of international mediation and thank everyone who helped bring these people home. But an evacuation must not become a political success story that overshadows the humanitarian catastrophe Russia created. Russia occupied Ukrainian territory and deprived civilians of their freedom to move, live safely, and reunite with their families. Now international negotiations, aircraft, and dozens of buses are required for Ukrainians simply to return home. This is not normal. This is the reality of Russian occupation. The world should ask: Why can’t Ukrainians travel freely within their own country? Why have families been separated for years? Who is documenting civilian deaths, landmine dangers, and the lack of medical care? Who will be held accountable? And please, stop condemning Ukrainians who remained under occupation. Some stayed because of age, illness, family, fear, or because they could not abandon their homes. Living under occupation does not erase someone’s Ukrainian identity. The return of these people is a reason for joy, but it does not mean the humanitarian catastrophe is over. I want us to stop treating Ukrainians returning to Ukrainian soil as an extraordinary gift from international politicians. It is their country. Their home. Their right. The real goal is not endless humanitarian corridors through Russia and Belarus. The real goal is to end the occupation and ensure that Ukrainians never again have to endure such suffering simply to return home. Do not turn the tragedy of Ukrainians into someone else’s political triumph. Source: Novyny.LIVE, reporting by Halyna Ostapovets, October 31, 2026. #Oleshky #Kherson #RussianOccupation