Ceasefire Begins in Oleshky as Ukraine and Russia Agree on Aid
Ukraine and Russia have begun a temporary humanitarian ceasefire around the town of Oleshky, opening the way for aid deliveries and civilian evacuations in a city where basic supplies have run critically low.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's Human Rights Commissioner in the parliament, said on Facebook that the ceasefire started at 3 a.m. Kyiv time, which corresponds to 0100 GMT. He said the pause was part of a humanitarian mission that had been prepared in advance, and that Ukraine is meeting its obligations under its agreement with Russia.
Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed that its forces have stopped firing toward Kherson. A 'silence regime' has also been introduced around Oleshky from 4 a.m. Moscow time, or 0100 GMT, to prepare for the humanitarian operation.
The two sides agreed on Friday to a temporary truce in the area so that humanitarian assistance could be delivered and civilians could be safely taken out.
Oleshky lies on the left bank of the Dnipro River and is currently controlled by Russia. With fighting continuing nearby, food and other essential items have become extremely scarce for the people who remain.
Earlier, the White House said that US First Lady Melania Trump had mediated the temporary truce. It said she helped arrange a halt to military activity so that aid could reach civilians trapped in the war-hit town and so they could leave safely.
The truce establishes a secure route for delivering supplies and evacuating residents.
The arrangement came after direct discussions between Melania Trump, her representatives, and Russian and Ukrainian leaders. The First Lady served as a special intermediary between the two countries and helped set the goals, procedures, timing and other necessary steps.
The White House called the agreement a humanitarian initiative intended to protect thousands of civilians, particularly elderly residents who are still stuck in the frontline city.
Melania Trump said, "The situation in Oleshky is very grim. It is a city on the front line of the war and is on the edge of ruin. Most of those who have stayed behind are elderly, and they face a serious shortage of essential goods."
She added, "People in Oleshky have very limited access to electricity, they live among minefields and face constant military attacks. It was clear that unless I intervened, bringing humanitarian aid to the town and evacuating the elderly safely would not have been possible."