Russia Halts Strikes In Ukraine’s Kherson As Oleshky Ceasefire Takes Effect

Russia and Ukraine began a localised ceasefire in the Kherson region on October 27, suspending military action around the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations. However, Russian attacks continued elsewhere in Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv, highlighting the limited scope of the agreement.

The ceasefire took effect at 3 am local time on Tuesday, with Russia’s Defence Ministry confirming that its forces had stopped shelling towards Kherson to prepare for the humanitarian operation. Ukraine’s human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, also confirmed that Kyiv was observing the agreement.

Brokered with the involvement of US First Lady Melania Trump, the arrangement was announced on October 23. Pope Leo XIV also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation and urged efforts to secure assistance for civilians.

Oleshky, situated on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River opposite Ukrainian-controlled Kherson, had a pre-war population of approximately 24,000 people. Today, only around 1,700 to 2,000 residents are believed to remain, including children, many of them elderly or ill.

Residents face acute shortages of food, drinking water, medicines, electricity and heating. The town has suffered extensive destruction during Russia’s invasion, which began in February 2022, and was severely affected by flooding following the destruction of the nearby Kakhovka Dam in 2023. Landmines and drone attacks have made it dangerous for civilians to leave.

Under the humanitarian plan, doctors, medicines, food and water are expected to reach residents before evacuation corridors open. People wishing to leave are expected to receive coordinated assistance and transport to their chosen destinations. The ceasefire is expected to remain in place through November 1, although reports have indicated that its duration could be extended.

Meanwhile, Russian missile strikes continued in Kyiv, damaging the Southern Bridge and associated metro infrastructure and disrupting traffic. Attacks also caused casualties in other Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv and Pavlohrad. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported extensive Russian missile and drone attacks across multiple regions.

The limited truce comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war. Ukraine, Russia and the United States are expected to hold technical-level talks in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November. However, disagreements over territorial control and security guarantees remain major obstacles to a broader peace agreement.