A ceasefire has started in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, where residents have endured severe shortages of food, water, and electricity for years.
The truce, which the White House said was secured by US First Lady Melania Trump, aims to facilitate aid deliveries and a civilian evacuation on Friday. Oleshky, located in the Kherson region, is surrounded by the Dnipro River on one side and Russian forces on the other, making escape extremely difficult and dangerous due to mined routes and drone attacks.
Up to 6,000 people, including 200 children, remain in Oleshky and its surrounding areas, with only 1,700 still living in the city itself. Before the war, the city had a population of 24,000. Conditions have been so dire that residents have resorted to eating garden weeds to survive. Communication with the city is limited, and many are reluctant to speak due to fear of Russian reprisals.
Why it matters
The ceasefire's success depends on immediate verification of aid routes and evacuation corridors.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether residents in Oleshky and surrounding areas report safe movement of aid and evacuation.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.