Ukraine Accuses Russia of Reinforcing Oleshky Positions During Truce
Kyiv claims Moscow used the six-day humanitarian pause to expand fortifications and move ammunition, despite evacuating 800 civilians.
By Noor Phillips ·
Ukraine’s General Staff reported on Monday that Russian forces spent the recent humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky strengthening their military footing. The pause, which ended at 2100 GMT on Sunday, was intended to facilitate aid distribution and civilian撤离. Instead, Kyiv says Moscow utilized the quiet to rotate units and build defenses.
The six-day truce was brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump with the involvement of Pope Leo. Trump stated on social media that nearly 800 people were evacuated from the frontline town during the break in fighting. The arrangement represented the longest local pause in hostilities since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Ukrainian military officials detailed specific activities they observed during the lull. They recorded rotations of Russian units and the fortification of existing positions. Forces also expanded anti-drone measures along roads and increased logistics activity, including the delivery of ammunition. The General Staff noted that Ukrainian units observed the agreement strictly while the enemy improved its capabilities.
Local authorities warned residents of continued risks. Yaroslav Shanko, head of the Kherson City Military Administration, reported a drone strike in the city center on Monday. Kherson sits on the west bank of the Dnipro River, directly opposite Oleshky. No casualties were reported from that specific attack.
Oleksandr Prokudin, the governor of Kherson region, said Russian forces targeted 16 settlements in the 24 hours leading up to 0400 GMT on Monday. The attacks involved shelling, drones, and aircraft strikes. These settlements are located in Ukrainian-controlled parts of the region.
The 34th Separate Marine Brigade, known as Borysfen, urged residents of the Kherson region to remain vigilant. In a video address, the brigade said there were reasons to expect an intensification of hostilities. It claimed Russia used the ceasefire to prepare and strengthen its combat capabilities.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s Ombudsman for Human Rights, offered a different assessment on Sunday. Writing on Telegram, he stated that both sides upheld their obligations throughout the duration of the period. His comment stands in contrast to the General Staff’s claim that only one side fully respected the terms.
