KYIV - Russia and Ukraine began a localized ceasefire early Oct. 27 around the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine, opening the way for humanitarian aid and the possible evacuation of as many as 2,000 residents.
The ceasefire took effect at 4 a.m. Moscow time, or 0100 GMT, Reuters reported. Russian and Ukrainian representatives separately confirmed that the agreement had begun, with both militaries expected to halt fire in the area during the humanitarian operation.
Doctors, medicines, food and water are expected to enter the town first. Evacuation corridors would then be opened for residents who want to leave. The United Nations has said mined roads and drone attacks have made travel from Oleshky extremely dangerous.
Limited Truce Expected to Last Through Saturday
The pause is expected to remain in force at least through Saturday and could be extended. It applies only to the Oleshky area and does not constitute a broader ceasefire along the Russia-Ukraine front.
The White House said U.S. first lady Melania Trump helped secure the agreement after contacts with Russian and Ukrainian civilian negotiators and discussions involving United Nations representatives. Pope Leo XIV had also called for humanitarian access to Oleshky.
Oleshky is on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, opposite the Ukrainian-controlled city of Kherson. Russian forces captured the town during the opening days of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Its prewar population was about 24,000, but only a few thousand people are believed to remain. The town also suffered extensive damage after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in 2023.
Fighting Continues Elsewhere
Hostilities continued in other parts of Ukraine as the local truce began. Explosions were reported in Kyiv on Tuesday. A Russian missile strike on the capital a day earlier killed at least one person and injured 10, according to local officials. Attacks in Kharkiv killed two people and injured four.
The Oleshky agreement therefore remains a narrowly defined humanitarian measure rather than a general cessation of hostilities.
Sources: Vesti Baku; Reuters; Associated Press.