Ukraine and Russia expanded the local ceasefire zone around the temporarily occupied Oleshky in Kherson Oblast. Now the silence regime covers not only the city but also adjacent areas necessary for safe movement of humanitarian convoys.
US First Lady Melania Trump, who mediated to reach humanitarian agreements, announced this on Tuesday, October 27.
According to her, the previously agreed ceasefire timing was revised. The silence regime began earlier than planned to speed up aid delivery and ensure civilian safety.
“The geographical ceasefire area was expanded beyond Oleshky in Kherson Oblast to ensure safe passage for humanitarian convoys,” — stated Melania Trump.
Initially the White House announced the humanitarian ceasefire would start on October 29. However, after additional coordination, the parties moved the start to October 27. The ceasefire entered into force at 03:00 Kyiv time.
Ukrainian and Russian representatives confirmed that the agreements are being implemented. Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets said that Ukraine is fulfilling its commitments and preparing for a humanitarian operation.
The expansion of the ceasefire zone should ensure delivery of food, drinking water, medicine and other essential supplies to Oleshky. Once safe conditions are in place, evacuation of residents who wish to leave the city is planned.
However, the exact boundaries of the expanded ceasefire zone are not publicly disclosed. There is also no official confirmation yet that humanitarian convoys have arrived in the city or that population evacuation has begun.
According to the initial White House statement, civilian representatives of Ukraine and Russia are to assess residents' needs and provide assistance to those unable to leave the settlement on their own.
According to the US administration’s estimates, between 1,700 and 2,000 people remain in Oleshky, mostly elderly. Among them are about 50 children. Residents are experiencing severe shortages of food, medicine and clean water. The possibility of leaving is limited due to hostilities, mine danger and drone attacks.
The humanitarian operation is being carried out with international mediation. The expansion of the silence regime does not mean an end to the Russian-Ukrainian war on other frontline sectors. The agreements are local in nature and aim solely at supporting the humanitarian mission.
Source: Melania Trump, RBC-Ukraine, White House.
