The temporary ceasefire in the city of Oleshky in southern Ukraine has ended, and residents of this area, who have been under Russian occupation for four years, have returned to a critical situation. This ceasefire, which lasted for six days, was in effect from October 27 to November 1, allowing residents to travel more safely to areas under Ukrainian control.
Experience of the Ceasefire and Evacuation of Residents
During this period, hundreds of residents of Oleshky were able to be transported by bus through Russia and Belarus to Ukrainian territories. One resident, Volodymyr Omchenko, said: "We should use this time to get necessary work done." He referred to working in his flower gardens and added that this ceasefire was like a "fresh breath" for them.
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The cessation of hostilities, which was facilitated by Melania Trump, the wife of the former President of the United States, provided an opportunity for the residents of Oleshky. However, the situation in this area is deteriorating, and there are concerns about the resumption of hostilities.
Concerns After the Ceasefire Ends
A Ukrainian military official, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern that with the resumption of hostilities, the situation may worsen. He added that Russian forces have used the calm of the past week to gather new troops and ammunition and to gather intelligence on Ukrainian positions.
The Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, confirmed the end of this ceasefire and stated that neither side reported any violations of the ceasefire. One Ukrainian representative described this halt in hostilities as "the largest reduction of tension since 2022."
On the final day of the ceasefire, the Ukrainian army evacuated another 167 people from the semi-occupied areas in the Kherson region. Among these individuals were 22 children and 21 people with limited mobility.
With the end of the ceasefire, local officials in the Kherson region warned residents not to approach areas near the Dnipro River, as the intensity of Russian air and artillery attacks in these areas remains high.
While Ukraine proposed an extension of the ceasefire to Russia, the country rejected this request. According to a senior Ukrainian official, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had made this proposal, but the Russians showed no willingness to accept it.
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