The local ceasefire in the Oleshky region of Ukraine, which lasted for six days, has ended, and following that, Russian air and artillery attacks have caused power outages for tens of thousands across Ukraine, including in the capital Kyiv.
End of the Ceasefire and Emergency Situation
The ceasefire, which was specifically established in the Kherson region and around the city of Oleshky, ended at 11 PM local time (10 PM CET). Ukrainian officials reported that neither side reported any violations during the ceasefire, and this ceasefire was described as "the largest reduction of tension since 2022."
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Ukrainian military forces also evacuated 167 civilians from the area, including 22 children and 21 individuals with mobility restrictions. However, local officials have urged residents to remain vigilant against potential dangers and to avoid areas near the Dnipro River, as the intensity of Russian air and artillery attacks in these areas has been reported to be high.
Diplomatic Talks and Humanitarian Situation
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, announced the start of negotiations with the United States and Russia, stating that these negotiations would also include planning for a trilateral meeting with Turkey. Zelensky emphasized the importance of sending clear messages to Russia that there is no way other than peace.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks on the city of Koziatyn in central Ukraine resulted in the deaths of at least three people and injuries to four others, including three children. Local officials reported that one of the victims was a 13-year-old girl. These attacks occur as the local ceasefire allows residents to leave Russian-occupied areas and move to Ukrainian-controlled regions.
The ceasefire allows residents of Oleshky to access food and medicine and feel more secure, but with its end, concerns about further attacks are rising. Zelensky also referred to an agreement to establish a grain corridor in the Black Sea to ensure food security.
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