Russia and Ukraine agree to limited ceasefire for humanitarian operation in Oleshky

Russia and Ukraine have announced the start of a limited ceasefire around the town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine, which is under Russian control, to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of residents.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said today it had halted shelling toward the Ukrainian city of Kherson from 4 a.m. Moscow time, in preparation for the humanitarian operation in Oleshky, which lies on the opposite bank of the Dnipro River.

According to Reuters, Ukrainian parliament commissioner for human rights Dmytro Lubinets confirmed the ceasefire began at the same time. In a Facebook post, he said: "As head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, I confirm that the Ukrainian side is fulfilling its commitments."

The ceasefire agreement aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of civilians from the frontline town, which faces severe shortages of food and medicine.

Oleshky has been under Russian control since the early days of the war, which began in February 2022, and is located across from Kherson, which remains under Ukrainian control.