Oleshky aid convoy arrives October 29

Ukraine's Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, confirmed on Friday that a humanitarian operation in Oleshky will occur on 29 October. The mission will take place under a ceasefire arrangement designed to facilitate the delivery of aid and the evacuation of civilians.

The general staffs of Ukraine and Russia announced the pause in fighting on Friday evening. The truce takes effect from the night of 27 October and lasts for 48 hours. This designated break in hostilities is intended to create a safe window for the convoy to reach the town in Kherson Oblast.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the public via video earlier in the day, expressing hope that American mediation would finalize the access plan. He described the conditions in the occupied town as extremely difficult. Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces have mined the roads in the temporarily occupied part of the region. He noted that Ukraine is prepared to do its part and is counting on US diplomatic efforts to succeed.

The White House said that First Lady Melania Trump secured the truce. The US government described the current situation in Oleshky as a humanitarian disaster. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia agreed to the ceasefire to allow the mission to proceed. Zelenskyy said talks have continued at various levels for some time before this final agreement was reached.

The planned operation aims to restore access to the town. It will deliver food and medicine to residents who have been isolated. The mission also seeks to allow civilians to leave the combat zone safely. The 48-hour window provides the time necessary for these logistical tasks to be completed before fighting resumes.