Four-hour pause starts in Oleshky for aid

Oleshky sits on the south bank of the Dnipro River, a location that places it directly on the front line in the Kherson region. A temporary pause in fighting started there today to move aid and evacuate civilians.

The city was taken by Russian forces in February 2022. For four years, residents have been cut off between Ukrainian positions across the river and Russian troops to the east. Ukraine estimates 6,000 people remain in the city and surrounding areas, including 200 children. These residents have faced severe shortages of food and essential supplies.

US First Lady Melania Trump announced the arrangement last week. She stated that non-military civilian leaders from both nations would visit homes in Oleshky to assess needs. Trump also sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in August 2025. In that letter, she described it as time to protect children and future generations worldwide.

Russia's defense ministry confirmed the start of the truce on Telegram. It reported that firing toward Kherson ceased at 04:00 Moscow time. This time corresponds to 01:00 GMT. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's parliament commissioner for human rights, verified the start of the ceasefire on social media. He wrote, "As head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, I confirm that the Ukrainian side is honouring its commitments."

The immediate goal is to deliver supplies to the remaining population. Civilian officials from both sides are scheduled to enter the city to determine specific assistance requirements for households.