Truce Takes Hold in Oleshky Ahead of Friday Evacuation

A limited ceasefire has begun in Oleshky, the Russian-occupied city in the Kherson region, a week after US First Lady Melania Trump announced it. Ukrainian officials and Russia's defence ministry both say it is being respected.

The pause is meant to let aid in and allow civilians to leave. An evacuation is planned for Friday.

Russia's defence ministry said on Telegram that it stopped firing toward Kherson, the Ukrainian city across the Dnipro River, at 04:00 Moscow time (01:00 GMT) in preparation for the humanitarian operation. Ukraine's human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, confirmed the start on social media. "The Ukrainian side is honouring its commitments," he wrote.

A city cut off

Oleshky sits between the Dnipro, which forms the front line, and Russian forces. Russia seized it in the first days of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, when it had 24,000 residents. Ukraine now estimates about 6,000 people, including 200 children, are left in the city and its surroundings.

No shops are open. The city has had no electricity, gas or water for three years. Some residents told the BBC they are going hungry and cooking garden weeds to eat. Ukraine has tried to bring in supplies without success in recent months, and leaving on foot along mined roads is considered too dangerous.

People in the city told the BBC they want to leave. One woman said she is in hospital recovering from two surgeries after stepping on a land mine, and worries she will miss Friday's evacuation. Residents also fear Russia may refuse to let them return to Ukraine, or may check their phones and online activity for signs of support for Ukraine, which could lead to people being detained and tortured.

The White House said last week that civilian, non-military leaders from both countries would work together to visit residents in their homes and work out what help each needs. Mrs Trump has taken an interest in humanitarian issues arising from the war.

Source: BBC News