Evacuation of the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky begins under Melania Trump's truce as hundreds choose to stay without water

Up to 6,000 people, including 200 children, had been trapped in Oleshky without food, water or electricity, with many resorting to cooking garden weeds and pigeons to survive. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, became the first Ukrainian official to visit Russia since the war began, travelling overland through Belarus to monitor the operation in person. Ukrainian soldiers now warn the ceasefire is being used as 'cover' for a major Russian offensive, with drone footage showing mass military preparations they believe will be unleashed once the truce expires on Sunday.

The ceasefire, brokered by Melania Trump after the Pope called Putin from his hospital bed, has held for four days.

Evacuees face a bizarre route — through Russian-occupied territory, then to Anapa, then by plane to Belarus, then overland into Ukraine.

Two demining workers were killed clearing the 'Road of Death' before the convoy could move.