Ceasefire opens way for aid and evacuation in occupied Oleshky
A limited ceasefire has begun in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, with Ukrainian officials and Russia’s defence ministry saying it is being observed. The truce is intended to enable aid deliveries and a planned civilian evacuation on Friday, as residents face severe shortages and are reportedly eating garden weeds to survive.
Oleshky lies across the Dnipro River from Ukrainian positions and has been under Russian control since the invasion began in 2022. Ukraine estimates about 6,000 people, including 200 children, remain in the city and nearby areas; shops are closed and electricity, gas and water have been unavailable for three years. Residents hope to leave, though some fear they may not be allowed to return to Ukraine or could face scrutiny over their phones and online activity.
In short
- A limited truce has begun in Oleshky.
- Aid deliveries and a Friday evacuation are planned.
- About 6,000 people remain amid severe shortages.
Explained simply
Oleshky is a city in southern Ukraine, on the east bank of the Dnipro River. Russian forces have controlled it since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, while Ukrainian forces are positioned across the river.
The Dnipro has become a dividing line between Russian- and Ukrainian-held areas, making travel and deliveries difficult. Ukraine says about 6,000 people, including 200 children, remain in Oleshky and nearby areas, where basic services have been unavailable for years.
The residents’ situation reflects the wider effect of the war on civilians in areas under occupation. People seeking to leave may also face uncertainty about whether they can return to Ukraine and what checks they could face on their phones or online activity.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Truce begins in Ukraine city where residents ate weeds to survive”.