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Temporary Ceasefire Takes Effect in Kherson Region
Russia has halted military strikes in Ukraine's Kherson province following the start of a localized ceasefire. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the pause in combat operations took effect at 01:00 GMT on Tuesday to allow a humanitarian effort in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky.
The agreement was announced on October 23 after being negotiated by United States First Lady Melania Trump, with additional participation from Pope Leo. The mission is part of broader efforts by Washington to restart peace discussions between Moscow and Kyiv following more than four and a half years of fighting.
Aid Delivery and Evacuation Operations
The localized pause in fighting is expected to last through Saturday, with the potential for an extension. Relief workers plan to transport medical staff, medicines, food, and clean water into Oleshky before establishing evacuation corridors for local residents.
Oleshky is located on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, directly opposite Kherson city, which remains under Ukrainian control. Key details regarding the situation in Oleshky include:
- Up to 2,000 people remain in the town, which had a pre-war population of 24,000.
- According to the United Nations, landmines and drone strikes have prevented trapped civilians from leaving.
- Russian forces have controlled Oleshky since the initial days of their February 2022 invasion.
- The town has sustained extensive conflict damage and was severely affected by flooding after the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in 2023.
Source: Russia halts strikes on Ukraine’s Kherson as Oleshky ceasefire takes effect