Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of using Oleshky ceasefire to consolidate positions

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Army said on Monday that Russian forces used a six-day humanitarian ceasefire in the town of Oleshky, in southern Ukraine, to strengthen their military positions.

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, during the pause it recorded rotations of Russian units, the establishment of new positions, bolstered protection against unmanned aerial vehicles along roadways, and increased logistical activity — including deliveries of ammunition.

Diplomatic claims and contrasting accounts

The Kremlin press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said he had no concrete information about Russian military activity during the ceasefire but suggested that Ukraine may have used the pause to regroup its forces.

Russian ombudsman Yana Lantratova told reporters that fewer than 750 people in need of assistance remained in Oleshky after evacuation and that regular monthly deliveries of humanitarian aid are planned with the involvement of the U.S. first lady, Melania Trump.

Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said yesterday that both sides respected their obligations during the ceasefire. The truce, which came into effect on 27 October 2026 and expired on 1 November 2026 at 21:00, was brokered by U.S. first lady Melania Trump to allow aid deliveries and the evacuation of civilians; nearly 800 people were evacuated, according to the agreement.

Despite the pause, new attacks were reported today: a drone strike hit the centre of Kherson with no casualties, while Russian forces carried out air or artillery strikes on 16 populated places in parts of the Kherson region under Ukrainian control in the previous 24 hours.

Photo: press material from the event