Putin proposes joint humanitarian operation with Ukraine in Kostiantynivka, modeled on earlier evacuation mission in Oleshky
Before a meeting with U.S. presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed organizing a humanitarian operation in Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region.
There is a town in Donbas called Kostiantynivka, where around 400-500 civilians remain. Let’s do the same thing we did in Oleshky: invite representatives of the foreign press, including American media, and Russian media.
Putin proposed entrusting the humanitarian mission to the human rights ombudspersons of Russia and Ukraine: Yana Lantratova and Dmytro Lubinets.
Putin also said Russian forces control Kostiantynivka and are ready to clear the area of mines within five days. He added that “if Kyiv believes it controls the city, it should ensure security on its side.”
The humanitarian operation in Oleshky took place in late October. Several hundred people were evacuated from the city, while those who chose to stay received humanitarian aid. Russia and Ukraine worked together on the operation, with U.S. first lady Melania Trump reportedly mediating.
To carry out the Oleshky operation, Russia and Ukraine halted hostilities around the city for four days. It was the longest truce since the start of the full-scale war.
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