News Desk: A ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky came into effect early Tuesday, October 27. The truce was announced last week by US First Lady Melania Trump amid growing concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation in the war-hit region.
Both Russia and Ukraine agreed to observe the ceasefire from 3 am local time. However, there was no immediate independent confirmation of whether fighting had decreased in the area.
Located in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region on the southern bank of the Dnipro River, Oleshky has remained at the centre of the conflict since Russian forces seized it in 2022. The city’s population has reportedly fallen from around 24,000 before the invasion to approximately 2,000, including as many as 50 children, according to Ukrainian and US estimates.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Former residents have described increasingly desperate conditions in Oleshky, with people struggling to obtain food, medicine and safe passage out of the city. Some reportedly resorted to hunting pigeons or surviving on whatever food they could grow in their gardens.
The situation has been worsened by extensive damage caused by fighting and the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in 2023, which triggered major flooding along the Dnipro River.
Melania Trump said civilian officials from Russia and Ukraine would visit residents to assess their needs. People wishing to leave would receive coordinated assistance and transport to their preferred destinations, whether in Russia or Ukraine.
However, neither side has provided detailed information about the humanitarian operation or identified who will monitor the ceasefire.
Russia and Ukraine Agree to Halt Fire
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces would halt fire in the Kherson sector for the duration of the truce. It also stated that safe passage would be facilitated for a humanitarian convoy carrying essential supplies to Oleshky.
Ukraine, meanwhile, said its military would make every effort to assist residents and support rescue operations. Ukrainian authorities have previously used drones to deliver food and medicine to people trapped in the city.
Kyiv has accused Moscow of preventing residents from leaving the occupied area, an allegation Russia has denied.
Peace Talks Expected to Resume
The limited ceasefire comes as the Russia-Ukraine war continues into its fifth year, having caused widespread destruction, mass displacement and hundreds of thousands of military and civilian casualties.
Three-way peace talks involving the United States, Russia and Ukraine are expected to resume in November after a months-long pause.
While the Oleshky truce offers a potential opportunity to deliver urgently needed assistance, questions remain over its duration, implementation and the safety of civilians caught in the conflict.
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