World · Europe · 13 hrs ago
Temporary ceasefire gives Ukraine’s Kherson brief relief from attacks
A temporary ceasefire has brought rare quiet to Kherson, a Ukrainian city long exposed to Russian drone and artillery attacks.
The pause took effect on Tuesday and is linked to a planned evacuation of civilians from nearby Oleshky, which is under Russian occupation across the Dnipro River.
US First Lady Melania Trump helped broker the local truce, which is intended to allow residents of Oleshky to leave safely.
Kherson residents have used the lull to walk outside, visit shops and return to homes in areas too dangerous to enter during attacks.
The ceasefire is due to end on Sunday, and residents remain wary because earlier pauses have not always held.
Ukrainian officials and local observers fear Russian forces may use the break to bring in supplies and strengthen their positions.
The pause is limited to this area and does not end the wider war, which continues elsewhere in Ukraine.
A temporary, US-brokered ceasefire around Oleshky has brought Kherson residents a rare pause from Russian drone and artillery attacks.
The six-day pause took effect early Tuesday and is intended to enable humanitarian relief and the evacuation of civilians from Russian-occupied Oleshky.
Residents have used the calm to walk in the streets, visit shops and cafes, and access homes in areas normally exposed to attacks.
Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman said the ceasefire was holding, while residents and experts warned that fighting could resume and Russia might use the pause to strengthen its forces.
The ceasefire is local and the sources say it does not signal a broader halt to the war.
- Who
- Residents of Kherson and Oleshky, with the ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump.
- What
- A temporary local ceasefire has paused attacks around Oleshky and brought brief relief to Kherson. It is intended to allow humanitarian relief and civilian evacuation.
- When
- It took effect early Tuesday and was described as a six-day ceasefire, due to end Sunday.
- Where
- Kherson and nearby Oleshky, on opposite sides of the Dnipro River in Ukraine’s Kherson region.
- Why
- To enable humanitarian relief and a planned evacuation of civilians from Russian-occupied Oleshky.
Ceasefire supporters
Critics and sceptics
Purpose
Ceasefire supporters
Supporters say the pause can enable humanitarian relief and civilian evacuation from Oleshky.
Critics and sceptics
Critics warn that Russia may use the pause to reinforce its forces and prepare for renewed attacks.
Meaning
Ceasefire supporters
Ukrainian officials described the pause as a de-escalation that could build confidence for future agreements.
Critics and sceptics
Experts say it is a local humanitarian arrangement, not evidence of broader progress toward peace.
The temporary ceasefire took effect around Oleshky.
Ukraine said the six-day ceasefire was holding, and Kherson residents ventured into the streets.
A planned evacuation of civilians from Oleshky was due to take place.
The temporary ceasefire was due to end.
- Ceasefire length
- Six days
- Start
- Early Tuesday
- Planned evacuation
- Oleshky civilians on Friday
- River
- The Dnipro separates Kherson from Oleshky
- Reported military build-up
- Around Radensk, some 20 km (12 miles) from Oleshky
5 sources
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In Ukraine’s Kherson, brief ceasefire brings rare respite
What people are saying
Ever since the ceasefire was announced, there's been total silence
we are simultaneously giving the enemy an opportunity to exploit the ceasefire for its own military purposes
The Russians have proven that they can't be trusted
Derzeit sieht es so aus, als wäre Oleschky ein isolierter humanitärer Spezialfall – diese lokale Waffenruhe hat keine Auswirkungen auf den Krieg insgesamt