What to know about Oleshky as Russia and Ukraine begin Melania-brokered ceasefire
Ceasefire takes effect
Russia’s defence ministry said shelling toward Kherson stopped at 4 a.m. Moscow time, or 0100 GMT, to prepare for the operation in Oleshky. Ukrainian parliamentary commissioner for human rights Dmytro Lubinets said Ukraine was meeting its commitments.
The truce is regional, not a general halt to fighting. Strikes continued elsewhere, including in Kyiv, and attacks also killed and injured people in Kharkiv and Pavlohrad.
Oleshky’s location and control
Oleshky is in the southern Kherson region, on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River and opposite the city of Kherson. Ukrainian forces hold Kherson, while Russian troops have controlled Oleshky since the opening days of the February 2022 invasion. The ceasefire is intended to enable a humanitarian operation in the occupied town.
Wider diplomacy and attacks
Russia also said it struck industrial facilities and cargo vessels elsewhere, claiming they were being used for military purposes. In Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia, local officials said a drone hit a bus, killing one person and injuring 30.
Key points
- The localized ceasefire is intended to allow a humanitarian operation in Oleshky.
- Oleshky is occupied by Russian troops and lies across the Dnipro from Ukrainian-held Kherson.
- Fighting continued elsewhere, including in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Pavlohrad.
- Ukraine, Russia and U.S. negotiators agreed to meet in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November.