Ukraine and Russia agree monthly humanitarian operations in Kherson region

Ukraine and Russia have agreed to conduct humanitarian operations in the Kherson region at least once a month after the current Oleshky mission concludes, covering aid deliveries and repatriation efforts. US First Lady Melania Trump assisted in coordinating the arrangement, and her office said she worked directly with Ukrainian and Russian officials on the operation's objectives, procedures, timing and terms.

The White House announced the underlying agreement on 23 October, stating that civilian representatives from both countries would visit residents at home to assess needs, and that residents wishing to evacuate would receive coordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination.

The current humanitarian ceasefire took effect at 3 a.m. Kyiv time on 27 October and runs until 10:59 p.m. on 1 November. It allows for aid deliveries, mine clearance along access routes and voluntary civilian evacuations.

Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said the first 30 hours passed without incidents and credited ongoing communication with the Russian negotiating team. Regional authorities in Ukrainian-controlled Kherson reported no new shelling or strikes on civilian infrastructure during that period. Four people sought medical treatment for wounds from earlier attacks; five residents were evacuated from communities on the right bank.

The White House estimates 1,700 to 2,000 residents remain in Oleshky, including approximately 50 children. The city has been under Russian occupation since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.