Russia and Ukraine agree local ceasefire in occupied Oleshky

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt military operations in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky from 27 October. The White House said the pause would allow humanitarian aid deliveries and preparations for civilian evacuations.

About 2,000 people remain in Oleshky, which has been occupied since February 2022. Residents have described severe shortages of food, water and electricity, with some reportedly surviving on weeds, boiled grass, bread and meagre rations.

Evacuation and aid plans

Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said the operation would include demining roads into the city, delivering food and evacuating civilians. He said officials were working to provide enough aid for everyone in need and to extend the effort beyond a single operation in Oleshky.

The White House said Melania Trump brokered the agreement. Her representative worked with Russian and Ukrainian leaders on its terms, while residents seeking to leave are expected to receive coordinated transport to destinations in Russia or Ukraine.

Calls for a humanitarian ceasefire had previously come from Pope Leo XIV, the United Nations, EU officials and the Council of Europe. Ukraine had spent weeks seeking an evacuation from Oleshky and nearby settlements, including by using drones to drop emergency food and medical supplies.

Starlink restrictions continue

Ukrainian forces also continued to report disruptions to the Starlink satellite network. Officials said speeds remained capped at about 100 mph, preventing drones and other military equipment from maintaining connections at high speed.

US President Donald Trump said he would speak to Elon Musk if the restrictions remained. Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said there was no indication that the limits had been lifted.