A limited ceasefire has taken effect in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and the planned evacuation of civilians trapped amid severe shortages of food, water and other essential supplies.
Ukrainian officials and Russia’s Defence Ministry have confirmed that the truce is being respected, raising hopes for residents who have endured months of worsening hardship in the frontline city.
The ceasefire follows an announcement by US First Lady Melania Trump a week ago, with the White House indicating that humanitarian assistance would be arranged for civilians affected by the conflict.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces stopped firing towards the Ukrainian-controlled city of Kherson, across the Dnipro River from Oleshky, at 04:00 Moscow time (01:00 GMT) in preparation for the humanitarian operation.
Ukraine’s Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, also confirmed the start of the ceasefire, saying Kyiv was honouring its commitments under the arrangement.
“As head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, I confirm that the Ukrainian side is honouring its commitments,” he wrote on Facebook.
The planned evacuation, scheduled for Friday, is expected to provide an opportunity for civilians to leave the city, where residents face extreme hunger and deteriorating living conditions.
Some inhabitants have reportedly resorted to cooking weeds gathered from their gardens to survive, while others have appealed for assistance to escape the increasingly desperate situation.
Oleshky, which was captured by Russian forces during the early days of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, had a pre-war population of about 24,000. Ukrainian estimates suggest approximately 6,000 people remain in the city and surrounding areas, including around 200 children.
The city has been without electricity, gas and running water for three years, while shops remain closed. Recent Ukrainian attempts to deliver supplies have been unsuccessful.
Its geographical position presents additional challenges. Oleshky lies across the Dnipro River from Ukrainian-controlled Kherson, with the river forming part of the frontline. Mined roads and the risk of attacks have made it dangerous for residents to leave on foot.
Despite hopes that the ceasefire will enable people to reach safety, some residents fear the consequences of attempting to leave Russian-occupied territory.
They have expressed concern that Russian forces could prevent them from returning to Ukrainian-controlled areas or examine their mobile phones and online activity for evidence of support for Ukraine, potentially exposing them to detention and torture.
One woman told the BBC she was recovering in hospital after undergoing two operations following a landmine injury. She expressed uncertainty over whether she would be able to participate in the planned evacuation.
“I don’t know how long I will have to spend there,” she said.
The White House previously stated that civilian representatives from both Russia and Ukraine would work together to visit residents in their homes and assess their humanitarian needs.
Melania Trump has taken an interest in humanitarian issues linked to the war, including efforts concerning children affected by the conflict. In August 2025, she wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin urging greater protection for children and future generations.
The success of the latest ceasefire will depend on whether humanitarian assistance can reach Oleshky and civilians can be evacuated safely from the besieged city.
