Oleshky Ceasefire: Ukraine Accuses Moscow of Military Buildup During Truce
Ukrainian officials report that Russian forces used the six-day pause to rotate units and expand anti-drone defenses, despite the agreement's humanitarian goals.
By Alina Marshall ·
Ukraine’s General Staff announced on Monday that Russian troops utilized a recent humanitarian ceasefire in the southern town of Oleshky to fortify their military positions. The pause in fighting, which lasted six days, was designed to facilitate aid deliveries and allow civilians to leave the frontline area.
The truce was brokered with the involvement of US First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo. According to Trump, nearly 800 people were evacuated during the period. She confirmed the number on the social media platform X. The ceasefire took effect on October 27 and ended at 2100 GMT on Sunday. This represented the longest local pause in combat since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Ukrainian command stated that their forces adhered strictly to the agreed terms. In a statement posted on X, the General Staff noted that Ukrainian units acted exclusively within the framework of the agreements. They claimed Russian forces, by contrast, used the break to improve their tactical standing.
Specific military activities recorded by Ukraine included rotations of Russian units and the construction of new fortifications. Ukrainian observers also noted an expansion of anti-drone measures along key roads. Logistics activity increased as well, with deliveries of ammunition observed during the truce.
The 34th Separate Marine Brigade Borysfen issued a video address on Facebook urging residents of the Kherson region to remain alert. The brigade warned that Russia had used the ceasefire to prepare and strengthen its capabilities. It cited reasons to expect an intensification of hostilities in the coming days.
Despite the formal end of the pause, fighting continued in the region. Yaroslav Shanko, head of the Kherson City Military Administration, reported a drone strike in the city center on Monday. Kherson lies on the west bank of the Dnipro River in Ukrainian-held territory, directly opposite Oleshky. No casualties were reported from that specific attack.
Oleksandr Prokudin, the governor of Kherson region, stated on Telegram that Russian forces attacked 16 settlements in Ukrainian-controlled areas within the 24 hours leading up to 0400 GMT on Monday. The strikes included shelling, drone attacks, and aircraft bombardments. Ukraine’s Ombudsman for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, said on Sunday that both sides upheld their obligations during the ceasefire duration.
Source: KELO
