Russia-Ukraine ceasefire begins in Oleshky to let aid reach 2,000 trapped civilians

Russia and Ukraine began a localised ceasefire in the southern Ukrainian town of Oleshky early Tuesday, halting fire in the Kherson sector to allow humanitarian aid to reach an estimated 2,000 residents — including up to 50 children — who remain trapped there.

Both sides confirmed the truce took effect at 3 a.m. local time (0100 GMT). Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces had stopped shelling in the Kherson sector to prepare for the operation. Ukraine's human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets confirmed Kyiv was honouring the agreement, writing on Facebook that he was confirming Ukraine's commitments as head of the Ukrainian negotiating team.

Whether fighting had actually decreased could not be independently verified. Russian missile attacks continued elsewhere in Ukraine as the ceasefire began, with explosions reported in Kyiv shortly after 3 a.m. and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reporting damage to the Southern Bridge.

The White House said Melania Trump had secured the agreement after talks with civilian negotiators from both countries and a briefing from United Nations officials on conditions in Oleshky. Under the arrangement, doctors, food, drinking water and medicine are to reach the town before evacuation corridors open. Residents choosing to evacuate will receive transport to their destination of choice, with some expected to go to Russia and others to Ukraine, Melania Trump said.

Oleshky, which had about 24,000 residents before Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, lies across the Dnipro River from Ukrainian-controlled Kherson. The United Nations says residents face severe shortages of food and medicine, with mines and drone attacks preventing departure. Reports differ on the ceasefire's duration, with one account indicating it could last through Saturday.