Ukraine Accuses Russia of Using Oleshky Ceasefire for Military Gains
Kyiv reports that Russian forces rotated troops and expanded defenses during the six-day humanitarian pause, which concluded Sunday at 2100 GMT.
By Hugo Cook ·
Ukraine’s General Staff accused Russian forces of exploiting a recent humanitarian ceasefire in the southern town of Oleshky to fortify their military positions. The six-day truce, which took effect on October 27 and expired at 2100 GMT on Sunday, was intended to facilitate aid deliveries and civilian evacuations from the frontline area.
The pause was brokered with the involvement of US First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo. Trump stated on X that nearly 800 people were evacuated during the period. While the Ukrainian side described the arrangement as a successful humanitarian operation, Kyiv’s military command says the Russian side used the lull to improve its tactical standing.
The General Staff said it recorded rotations of Russian units, the expansion of anti-drone measures along roads, and increased logistics activity, including ammunition deliveries. In a statement posted on X, the command noted that Ukrainian units acted exclusively within the framework of the agreements reached. It contrasted this with the enemy’s actions, stating that Russia used the humanitarian pause to improve its positions.
Local military units have warned of a potential increase in fighting. The 34th Separate Marine Brigade “Borysfen” urged residents of the Kherson region to remain vigilant for air raid sirens in a video address on Facebook. The brigade said Russia had used the ceasefire to prepare and strengthen its capabilities, providing reasons to expect an intensification of hostilities.
Combat activity resumed immediately after the ceasefire ended. Yaroslav Shanko, head of the Kherson City Military Administration, reported a drone strike in the center of Kherson on Monday. The city is located on the west bank of the Dnipro River in Ukrainian-held territory, directly opposite Oleshky. No casualties were reported from that specific strike.
Oleksandr Prokudin, the governor of Kherson region, said on Telegram that Russian forces shelled and attacked 16 settlements in Ukrainian-controlled areas with drones and aircraft in the 24 hours leading up to 0400 GMT on Monday. The region’s capital, Kherson, was among the settlements targeted.
Ukraine’s Ombudsman for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, offered a more balanced assessment on Sunday. Writing on Telegram, Lubinets stated that both sides had upheld the obligations they undertook throughout the duration of the period, despite the General Staff’s specific accusations regarding Russian military movements.
Source: KELO
