Ceasefire takes effect in Oleshky to allow aid and evacuations

A ceasefire has taken effect in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city on the southern bank of the Dnipro River, allowing for the delivery of supplies and the evacuation of civilians.

Russia's defense ministry stated via Telegram that it halted artillery fire toward Kherson, located on the opposite bank, at 04:00 Moscow time on Monday. This pause prepares the ground for a humanitarian operation in the Kherson region.

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's parliament commissioner for human rights, confirmed the start of the truce in a social media post. Writing on Facebook, he stated, "As head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, I confirm that the Ukrainian side is honouring its commitments."

The White House announced last week that Melania Trump secured the agreement. In a press release, she said that non-military civilian leaders from both nations would visit residents in their homes to assess their specific needs for assistance.

Oleshky was captured by Russian forces during the initial days of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Before the war, the city had a population of 24,000. Ukrainian officials now estimate that approximately 6,000 people remain in the area, including 200 children, who have faced severe shortages of food and essential supplies since being trapped between front lines.

Trump has increased her involvement in humanitarian issues related to the conflict. In August 2025, she sent a letter to Vladimir Putin urging him to protect children and future generations worldwide.