Ukraine and Russia announced on October 27 that a local ceasefire had come into effect around Oleshky, a Russian-occupied town in Ukraine's Kherson region. Under the published terms, it was due to begin at 3:00 a.m. Kyiv time, or 4:00 a.m. Moscow time, to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and the evacuation of residents.
Ukraine's human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, and Russia's Defense Ministry both announced the start of the ceasefire. Lubinets said the parties were observing the agreements, although there was no independent confirmation at the time that violations had ceased throughout the designated area. According to the ombudsman, the humanitarian mission was agreed with Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratova, with the participation of U.S. first lady Melania Trump.
The agreement itself had been announced several days earlier. It applies to a limited area, rather than all fighting between Russia and Ukraine.
Oleshky, on the left bank of the Dnipro River, is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. Residents and volunteers have described shortages of food and medicine, damaged roads, landmine risks and difficulties leaving safely. Evacuation routes and the possibility of reaching Ukrainian-controlled territory in particular remained sensitive issues for families.
Under the plan, dangerous routes must first be inspected and cleared of mines, after which aid is to be delivered and departures arranged for those who wish to leave. Initial reports on October 27 did not announce the completion of mine clearance or the evacuation of residents.