Facts
- A local Oleshky ceasefire in the Russian-held Ukrainian city held for a third day on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and humanitarian aid is expected to enter soon, PBS NewsHour reported.
- The truce began on October 27, according to The Kyiv Independent. U.S. First Lady Melania Trump said in a post that it ‘took effect at 4:00am Moscow time on October 27, 2026,’ two days ahead of schedule, and that it had been expanded within Kherson Oblast. Tetiana Shelest of Ukraine’s ombudsman’s office said it covers all of Kherson Oblast.
- David Arakhamia said the truce lasts until November 1. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said it runs until 10:59 p.m. Kyiv time that day. The aim is safe civilian evacuation and delivery of humanitarian aid.
- Ukraine’s presidential office head, Kyrylo Budanov, confirmed a ‘bilateral ceasefire.’ Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces had stopped fighting in the area. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said no violations had been reported as of 11 a.m. Kyiv time on October 27, the paper reported.
- Russian-installed Kherson Oblast head Volodymyr Saldo said accommodation was prepared in Crimea and other Russian regions and that residents could stay in Russia or travel to Ukrainian-controlled territory. He said the humanitarian mission would begin October 29 and that the mined road was being cleared. Ukraine’s ombudsman’s office said demining had started and evacuation would begin October 30.
- Lubinets said on September 16 that more than 6,000 people may remain in Oleshky and the surrounding area, including about 200 children, and that his office had verified 358 people who urgently need help to leave safely. The Kyiv Independent reported shortages of food, water and electricity, and mined roads and drone attacks that make evacuation nearly impossible.
- Within minutes of the ceasefire starting, Russia launched ballistic missiles at other parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv, according to The Kyiv Independent.
- The Kyiv Independent did not name a mediator and described no formal White House role beyond Trump’s post.
Quotes
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s ombudsman, said the ceasefire was “fully honored” as of 5:30 p.m. on October 27 and added: “I hope that everything will continue in accordance with the agreed plan.”
Source Read The Kyiv Independent’s report here.
Image Kherson-23102009(044), public domain.
