A truce commenced in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city in Ukraine’s Kherson region, according to statements from Ukrainian officials and Russia’s defence ministry. The White House attributed the arrangement to efforts by US First Lady Melania Trump. The ceasefire is intended to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and enable civilian evacuations scheduled for Friday.
Oleshky faces severe conditions after years of conflict. The city, which housed approximately 24,000 residents before the war, currently contains an estimated 6,000 people, including around 200 children. Residents have endured three years without electricity, gas, or water supply. With no operational shops and limited resources, many inhabitants have resorted to consuming garden weeds to address extreme food shortages. The city’s geography presents additional challenges, as it sits along the front lines between the Dnipro River, which separates it from Ukrainian-controlled territory, and Russian military positions.
Previous humanitarian efforts have proven difficult, with recent supply delivery attempts unsuccessful due to the dangerous conditions created by landmines throughout the area. The ceasefire is designed to allow both aid distribution and mine-clearing operations to enable safe civilian passage from the city. However, significant uncertainties persist regarding evacuation procedures, including registration requirements, whether residents can bring pets, and the ability to return to their homes afterward.
Communication challenges complicate verification of the ceasefire’s implementation, as contact with residents remains limited and many are reluctant to discuss the situation. Residents expressed concerns about potential Russian restrictions on departure from Ukraine, possible examination of personal devices for evidence of Ukrainian support, and the risk of resuming hostilities during evacuation operations. One resident stated skepticism about Russian humanitarian intentions.
While the ceasefire proceeded in Oleshky, military operations continued elsewhere. Strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv struck a university and bridge, resulting in one death and 14 injuries. In Russia, a Ukrainian drone attack on Bryansk killed one person and wounded six others.
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