6,000 civilians remain in Oleshky as four-hour truce begins

An estimated 6,000 people, including 200 children, remain in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky as a new truce takes effect. The city, located on the south bank of the Dnipro River, had 24,000 residents before the war began in February 2022.

Russia's defence ministry announced via Telegram that it ceased firing toward the Ukrainian city of Kherson at 04:00 Moscow time. This halt in combat operations marks the start of a humanitarian window designed to deliver food and essential supplies to the isolated population.

Ukraine's parliament commissioner for human rights, Dmytro Lubinets, confirmed the start of the ceasefire on Facebook. Speaking as the head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, he stated that the Ukrainian side is honouring its commitments. The agreement allows for civilian evacuations and aid convoys to move through the front line.

US First Lady Melania Trump announced the truce last week, crediting her efforts for securing the deal. In a press release, she noted that non-military civilian leaders from both nations would visit Oleshky residents in their homes to assess their specific assistance needs.

Residents of Oleshky have been trapped between Ukrainian positions across the Dnipro River and Russian forces to the east, leading to severe shortages of food and other necessities. Trump, who has focused on humanitarian issues stemming from the conflict, previously wrote to Vladimir Putin in August 2025 urging him to protect children and future generations.