In brief
The ceasefire, first brokered to let medical supplies reach Oleshky, has been stretched to include the whole Kherson region, halting shelling and allowing supplies to move through mined roads. Russian forces and Ukrainian troops have reported compliance, while Western officials praise the tentative peace. Ahead of Friday’s planned convoy, engineers are clearing traffic lanes and families are registering for evacuation. Hostilities cease at 22:59 local time on Sunday, after which authorities aim to transport 1,700‑2,000 residents across the Dnipro river. The truce is seen by many as the largest de‑escalation since 2022 and a potential springboard for further talks.
Ceasefire Expanded Across Kherson, Clearing Roads for Aid
In a dramatic shift to the humanitarian crisis that has gripped Russian‑occupied Oleshky, officials confirmed the ceasefire now covers the entire Kherson region. The extension means roads that had been sealed by mines and drone attacks are scheduled to be cleared, opening a lifeline for much‑needed supplies.
The arrangement, which was brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo in a last‑minute diplomatic move, was initially meant to allow food and medicine into the small city that has shown no electricity or running water since earlier in 2024. Under the new agreement, roads will be cleared beginning Thursday and a planned evacuation convoy will travel the following day.
Russian shelling on both sides of the Dnipro river has stopped since the ceasefire went into effect, officials said. Ukrainian and Russian spokesmen alike have acknowledged that the truce satisfies “peaceful intent” and that no violations have been reported so far.
The truce remains in effect until 22:59 local time on Sunday, the day after the ceasefire was officially announced. Residents, some of whom now stake out their names to secure evacuation slots, have already begun to prepare to leave the besieged city.
With the aid‑conveyed freight and a line of safe exits planned, neighbors in Oleshky hope to finally lift the months of starvation and isolation. While some fear the crossings are still perilous, many view the expansion as the biggest de‑escalation in Kherson since the initial invasion began.
Experts and local volunteers urge caution; messages of the evacuation routes have not yet been vetted for security, and authorities warn against rumors that could endanger people on either side of the river.
