Residents in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky have begun experiencing a brief respite as a limited ceasefire took effect, weeks after reports emerged of people cooking garden weeds to survive extreme hunger. According to the BBC, Ukrainian officials and Russia's defence ministry both confirmed that the truce is being respected to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries and planned civilian evacuations.

The Current Situation

BBC News reported that Oleshky is trapped between the Dnipro River—which forms the front line in the Kherson region—and Russian forces. Before the war, the city was home to 24,000 people, but Ukraine estimates that about 6,000 individuals, including 200 children, remain in the area. According to the same reports, no shops are open, and the city has lacked electricity, gas, and water for three years.

Attempts by Ukraine to deliver supplies have failed in recent months, and leaving on foot along mined roads is considered too dangerous. Amid these conditions, the White House announced last week that US First Lady Melania Trump had secured a ceasefire in Oleshky, though no duration was specified.

Russia's defence ministry stated on Telegram, as cited by the BBC, that it stopped firing toward the Ukrainian city of Kherson across the river at 04:00 Moscow time (01:00 GMT) to prepare for the humanitarian operation. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's parliament commissioner for human rights, also confirmed the start of the ceasefire on Facebook, writing that the Ukrainian side is honouring its commitments.

Background

According to BBC reporting, Oleshky was seized by Russia during the initial days of its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The city has since endured isolation, leaving inhabitants without running water, electricity, or functioning commerce. While residents expressed optimism about escaping the dire conditions, the BBC noted they also harbour fears that Russian authorities might not permit them to return to Ukraine, or that they could face interrogation regarding their online activity and potential Ukrainian support.

The White House stated last week that civilian leaders from both nations will collaborate to visit Oleshky residents in their homes to assess their assistance requirements, as reported by the BBC.

What's next

According to the BBC, a planned civilian evacuation and aid delivery operation is scheduled to take place.