But some in Ukraine have recoiled at the sight of him standing beside a representative of the Russian occupying power which has killed so many of the city's residents and made life unbearable for the rest.
Residents of Oleshky who wished to leave had a four-hour window to do so, though several hundred people are understood to have decided to stay in the frontline town despite the lack of gas, electricity and running water.
A handful of foreign journalists have been invited to witness the evacuation of the town, which Moscow is expected to present as a humanitarian mission conducted with mercy to protect the people of Oleshky.
Observers are concerned the truce has given Russia time to build up its military presence on the banks of the Dnipro river, which could result in a renewed assault once the ceasefire expires.
The evacuation of the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky is under way, Russian and Ukrainian authorities have confirmed.
"I was told that it was their own choice, we will do everything possible for the humanitarian aid to arrive."Russia said on Thursday that it had prepared"dozens of tonnes"of aid for the residents who do not wish to leave, including food, medicine, hygiene products and fuel for generators.
An Oleshky resident told the she had decided against leaving because"they wouldn't take my animals, so that's it."Olena, who now lives in Kyiv, said her grandmother and wider family in Oleshky were also staying behind.
Several hundred people are understood to have decided to stay in the frontline town, despite the lack of gas, electricity and running water.