Ceasefire takes effect in Oleshky to allow evacuation and aid deliveries
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt fire in Oleshky, a city in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine's Kherson region, so aid can be delivered and residents can leave. Meanwhile, a Russian missile attack on Kyiv on Monday evening killed at least one person.
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to stop firing in Oleshky, a city in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine's Kherson region that effectively sits on the front line. The truce allows humanitarian aid convoys to reach the city and lets those who wish to leave do so safely. The arrangement has come into force; it was reached last week with the help of US First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV.
Situation in the city
Oleshky is under constant shelling. Residents who remain have had to live for months without electricity and proper medical care, and the city lacks food and medicine. The roads leading to it are mined, making it practically impossible to leave.
According to volunteers, about 1,500 people are still in Oleshky, including roughly 40 children. Counting neighbouring villages, the figures are about 6,000 people and around 200 children.
Attack on Kyiv
On the evening of Monday, 26 October, Russia launched a missile attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that at least one person was killed and several injured. The missiles hit several buildings and an ambulance; two paramedics are among the injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X that ballistic missiles struck a university campus. He said the damage is extensive and there are reports that people may be trapped under rubble. According to him, the missiles hit densely populated areas with no military facilities nearby. Ukraine's Air Force confirmed ballistic missiles were used.
Shortage of air defence
Russia has stepped up attacks on Kyiv and other cities while Ukrainian forces are short of air defence ammunition. US-made Patriot systems are regarded as the most effective protection against ballistic missiles, which are especially hard to intercept because of their high speed. Ukraine has several such systems but not enough ammunition. Zelensky stressed that partners must understand Ukraine needs proper tools to destroy Russian ballistic missile launchers.
