Residents of the frontline Ukrainian town of Oleshky have begun returning to their homes after a temporary ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow took effect, allowing much-needed supplies to come through.
The truce, brokered by First Lady Melania Trump, began at 4am Moscow time, two days ahead of schedule, to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of critical humanitarian aid, according to a statement she posted on X.
Residents return to ruined homes
As roads were cleared of mines, returning residents carried shopping bags of vital supplies back to hollowed-out shells of apartment blocks. Oleshky, separated from Ukrainian troops by the River Dnipro, has been a key strategic town where Russia's advance had ground to a halt. It sits on the Russian-occupied side of the river, across from the Ukrainian-held city of Kherson, about 550 kilometers (340 miles) southeast of Kyiv.
Ukrainian Parliamentary Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said that both sides are observing the ceasefire. He stated that a verification call to the person monitoring Russian compliance confirmed no incidents or violations since 3am, with Russian forces not advancing, attempting to seize islands, or seeking to improve their positions.
Thousands remain in frontline city
As many as 2,000 people are still living in the frontline city, refusing to leave their homes. Lubinets said those who wish to leave for Ukraine will receive dedicated assistance, including accompaniment, accommodation on arrival, and help, with all government agencies working under his coordination.
Ksenia Arkhipova, who fled the city in 2022 and now volunteers to help others leave, said some residents have told her they fear Russian officials may 'filter out' evacuees with pro-Ukrainian views. She said people are afraid the Russians will check their phones for evidence of Ukrainian relatives or ties to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, something they have done repeatedly in other occupied territories.
Kherson sees rare quiet
In Kherson, streets were busier than usual and long lines formed at bus stops as residents used the truce to run errands. Oleksandra Kostenko, who runs a small coffee kiosk, said it is unusual to have such quiet, as residents are used to the loud buzzing and booming. She expressed fear that Russia will use the lull to stockpile drones, saying it will end and they will terrorise them.
Kherson bears deep scars of war, with boarded-up windows, anti-drone nets stretched over streets, and shattered glass littering sidewalks. The local ceasefire is due to continue until 10.59pm local time on Sunday.
