Oleshky pause ends with Russian buildup

A six-day humanitarian ceasefire in the southern town of Oleshky ended Sunday night, marking the longest local pause in the war since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The temporary truce, which took effect on October 27, was brokered with the involvement of US First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo.

Ukrainian military officials said the pause achieved its primary humanitarian goal. Nearly 800 civilians were evacuated from the frontline area during the window. Trump confirmed the evacuation numbers in a post on X, stating that the operation allowed for aid deliveries and the safe movement of residents.

Kyiv argues that Moscow violated the spirit of the agreement by using the quiet period to strengthen its military posture. The General Staff recorded rotations of Russian units and the fortification of existing positions. They also noted an expansion of anti-drone measures along access roads and increased logistics activity, including the delivery of ammunition to the front.

The General Staff stated in a post on X that Ukrainian forces observed the ceasefire strictly within the agreed framework. They contrasted this with their adversary, claiming the enemy used the humanitarian pause to improve its tactical positions. This assessment aligns with warnings from local commanders in the region.

The 34th Separate Marine Brigade Borysfen released a video address on Facebook urging residents of the Kherson region to remain vigilant. The unit stated that Russia had used the ceasefire to prepare and strengthen its capabilities, citing reasons to expect an intensification of hostilities in the coming days.

Hostilities resumed immediately after the deadline. Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported on Telegram that Russian forces shelled and attacked 16 settlements in Ukrainian-controlled areas of Kherson region in the 24 hours leading up to 0400 GMT on Monday. Yaroslav Shanko, head of the Kherson City Military Administration, confirmed a drone strike in the city center on Monday, though no casualties were reported.

Ukraine’s Ombudsman for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, offered a different assessment of the truce period. Writing on Telegram on Sunday, he said both sides upheld the obligations they undertook throughout the duration of the agreement.