A humanitarian operation has begun in Russian-occupied Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region, with both sides agreeing to a temporary ceasefire to allow the delivery of aid and the safe evacuation of civilians.
The ceasefire came into effect at 03:00 Kyiv time on 27 October and applies to areas involved in the humanitarian mission, according to Ukraine's Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, confirmed the start of the operation and announced that Lubinets had travelled to the area to coordinate the humanitarian effort.
"An important humanitarian mission has begun in Oleshky. A bilateral ceasefire has been declared in the area of the operation," Budanov said.
He emphasised that ensuring the safety of civilians and everyone involved in the mission was the immediate priority.
The operation is intended to deliver humanitarian assistance to residents of Oleshky and establish conditions for civilians wishing to leave the Russian-controlled town to do so safely.
Ukraine's Marine Corps reported that Russian forces were observing the ceasefire as of 09:00.
"As of 09:00, the opposing side is observing the ceasefire introduced as part of the humanitarian mission," the Marine Corps said in a statement, adding that Ukrainian forces were continuing to monitor the operational situation.
Marine Corps spokesperson Pavlo Drohal also confirmed that the ceasefire was being maintained in Oleshky while the humanitarian operation was underway.
Lubinets stated that Ukraine was fulfilling the agreements reached for the mission and that the suspension of hostilities was necessary to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel.
Oleshky, situated on the Russian-controlled left bank of the Dnieper River opposite Kherson, has faced a severe humanitarian situation during the occupation, with residents struggling to access essential supplies and safe evacuation routes.
Ukrainian officials have not yet announced how many civilians are expected to be evacuated or how much humanitarian assistance will be delivered. The mission remains underway, with Ukrainian authorities monitoring compliance with the ceasefire and coordinating measures intended to ensure the safe passage of civilians.
