A ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, occupied by Russian forces, officially commenced at 3:00 a.m. local time on Friday, as both Russia and Ukraine agreed to observe the truce. This agreement is seen as a critical step towards facilitating humanitarian efforts in the region, which has been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict.

The truce, brokered by Melania Trump, aims to enable the delivery of much-needed aid and to facilitate the evacuation of civilians trapped in the war-torn area. The announcement has been met with cautious optimism, as the humanitarian situation in Oleshky has reached alarming levels, with many residents lacking access to basic necessities.S2

The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that it would halt fire specifically in the "Kherson sector" for the duration of the ceasefire, although they did not provide further details regarding the terms or duration of the truce. This development marks a rare instance of cooperation amid a backdrop of escalating tensions between the two nations.S3