Russia and Ukraine stopped firing in Oleshky
A temporary ceasefire regime came into force on October 27 around the city of Oleshky in the Kherson region, which is occupied by Russian troops. The agreement provides for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the population and preparation for the evacuation of civilians.
Russia and Ukraine ceased fire in Oleshky
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the agreement has entered into force. The cease-fire began at 03:00 Kyiv time, 04:00 Moscow time.
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, the "regime of silence" in the designated area was introduced solely to conduct a humanitarian operation — delivering aid to those remaining in the city and preparing for their free departure. The Russian Ministry of Defense also reported that firing was stopped in the Kherson direction due to preparations for the humanitarian operation.
Humanitarian mission scheduled for October 29
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced, the US suggested the dates for ceasing fire and starting the humanitarian mission. While the "regime of silence" takes effect on October 27, the humanitarian mission is scheduled to begin on October 29.
Under the agreement, Russia must demine the roads, and Ukraine must prepare to evacuate the population remaining in the city.
Zelenskyy said that US First Lady Melania Trump mediated the temporary truce. A statement issued by the White House on October 23 also noted that her team played an important role in coordinating the agreement.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy expressed concern that Russia might use the humanitarian evacuation process for propaganda purposes. He emphasized that Kyiv's top priority is to rescue the besieged population and help them reach territory controlled by Ukraine.
Population's needs to be surveyed door-to-door
According to Melania Trump, civilian representatives from Russia and Ukraine will jointly visit the homes of Oleshky residents to determine what assistance they need.
Those wishing to evacuate are planned to be provided with transportation and necessary assistance to travel to their chosen destination. The US First Lady said some residents might choose to go to Russia, while others to Ukraine.
She stated that representatives will be accompanied by staff from an independent American media organization to document the process.
About two thousand people remain in the city.