On October 31, 2026, residents of the occupied Oleshky in the Kherson region returned to free Ukrainian land. This moment became a true celebration for many, as behind them lay years of fear and uncertainty under Russian occupation.
Emotional Reunion with Native Land
The returning individuals were greeted with joy and tears in their eyes. "Welcome home!" — such were the words that welcomed them at the border. Many evacuees could not hold back their emotions, admitting that they still could not believe in their return. "My heart is racing," — shared one of the women about her feelings.
Age of Evacuees: From the Youngest to the Oldest
Among the evacuees were people of various ages. The oldest among them is 94 years old, while the youngest is just over a year old. This indicates that not only adults but also children who needed urgent assistance and protection remained under occupation.
Symbolic Return
One particularly touching story is that of a woman who will celebrate her 49th birthday tomorrow. For the first time in a long while, she will celebrate her birthday in safety, far from the occupation regime. For all evacuees, the return has become a long-awaited moment filled with tears, relief, and joy.