Oleshky Truce Starts for Aid

A ceasefire took effect in Oleshky at 04:00 Moscow time. Russia’s defense ministry stated on Telegram that it ceased firing toward Kherson across the river. The pause was scheduled to last four hours. It allows for the delivery of aid and the evacuation of civilians.

Ukraine’s human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, confirmed the start of the truce on Facebook. He said, "As head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, I confirm that the Ukrainian side is honouring its commitments." The city sits on the south bank of the Dnipro River. This river marks the front line in the Kherson region. Residents have faced severe shortages of food and essential supplies for years.

Oleshky was captured by Russian forces in February 2022. Civilians have remained trapped between Ukrainian positions to the west and Russian troops to the east. The city had a pre-war population of 24,000. Ukraine now estimates that 6,000 people remain in the area. Among them are 200 children.

US First Lady Melania Trump announced the agreement last week. The White House stated that she secured the truce. In a press release, Trump said non-military civilian leaders from both nations would visit residents. They will assess the level of assistance needed in local homes. Trump has focused on humanitarian issues related to the war since August 2025. She wrote a letter to Vladimir Putin at that time. The letter urged protection for children and future generations.