What we know about Oleshky as Russia and Ukraine begin Melania Trump-brokered ceasefire
A regional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine has come into force to let a humanitarian operation begin in Oleshky, a town in southern Ukraine under Russian occupation.
The ceasefire was agreed in coordination with US First Lady Melania Trump.
Both sides announced the truce on Tuesday, but strikes have continued elsewhere, including in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
The halt in fighting is intended to open the way for aid deliveries and evacuations from the frontline town, which is grappling with acute shortages of food and medicine.
Dmytro Lubinets, the parliamentary commissioner for human rights, confirmed Russia’s timing of its halt in a Facebook post: “As head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, I confirm that the Ukrainian side is honouring its commitments,”
Russia’s defence ministry said on Telegram that it stopped shelling in the direction of the city of Kherson from 4 a.m. Moscow time (0100 GMT) to prepare for the effort in Oleshky, which faces Kherson across the Dnipro River.
Mr Lubinets added that the deal was reached with US First Lady Melania Trump in cooperation with Russia’s commissioner for human rights, Yana Lantratova.
Oleshky sits on the eastern bank of the Dnipro in Ukraine’s southern region of Kherson, opposite the city of Kherson, which is held by Ukrainian forces.
Russian troops have controlled the town since seizing it during the first days of their February 2022 invasion.
White House envoys have spoken to both sides in recent days in an attempt to find a solution, as the US looks to mediate a peace deal to end the war, Europe’s deadliest conflict since the World War Two.
On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said peace negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States had agreed to meet at a technical level in the first half of November in Abu Dhabi to continue the talks.
Fighting has continued despite the ceasefire arrangement.
New strikes on Tuesday hit the Southern Bridge and subway infrastructure in Kyiv, forcing a suspension of traffic, city officials said.
A Reuters witness heard explosions in the capital.
