White House says local ceasefire secured in Russian-occupied Oleshky

The White House said a local ceasefire had been secured in Russian-occupied Oleshky in Ukraine’s Kherson region. The pause is intended to allow humanitarian access and the evacuation of civilians.

Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said the operation would begin on October 27 and last several days. The White House had earlier announced October 29, while the Kremlin said the timing was still being coordinated.

Mine clearance and evacuations

Lubinets said the ceasefire would cover Kherson and neighbouring areas needed to deliver aid. The route to Oleshky would first be cleared of mines, followed by humanitarian deliveries and evacuation arrangements.

Russia’s Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said Russian forces would halt fire on the Kherson axis at 4am Moscow time on Tuesday and ensure the humanitarian convoy could move safely. Russian rights ombudswoman Yana Lantratova said safe passage would be guaranteed for people wishing to leave the combat zone, provided the ceasefire and safety procedures were followed.

Melania Trump said the evacuation could involve about 2,000 remaining residents who want to travel to a chosen destination in Russia or Ukraine. She said representatives of both countries had worked out the ceasefire terms and that civilian officials would facilitate humanitarian access.

Oleshky has been occupied by Russia since February 2022. The city had a pre-war population of about 24,000, while residents who remain face shortages of food and medical supplies.