Zelenskyy: US Mediation Opens Window for Oleshky Aid Convoy
A 48-hour ceasefire begins October 27 to allow a humanitarian mission scheduled for October 29 in the occupied Kherson town.
By Fatima Popov ·
Residents of the occupied town of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast will have a two-day window to leave or receive supplies, following a confirmed ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. The pause in fighting is set to begin on the night of October 27.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the situation in a video statement, describing conditions in the town as "extremely dire." He said Russian forces have mined roads in the temporarily occupied part of the region, complicating access for civilians and relief workers.
Kyiv is pushing for a humanitarian operation that will restore access to Oleshky, deliver food and medicine, and allow residents to exit the combat zone. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is prepared to do its part but relies on American mediation to make the arrangement work.
The White House confirmed that US First Lady Melania Trump secured the truce, describing the current state of Oleshky as a humanitarian disaster. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also verified that Russia agreed to the ceasefire to facilitate the mission.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, set the date for the operation on October 29. The joint announcement from the general staffs of both nations confirmed the specific area where the pause would take effect to ensure the safety of the convoy.
Negotiations on the arrangement have taken place at various levels for some time. Zelenskyy indicated that the plan should be put into effect soon, with the October 27 start date marking the beginning of the protected corridor for aid and evacuation.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda
