Russia and Ukraine announced a local ceasefire for Oleshky on Friday, intended to enable aid deliveries and civilian departures, while Moscow accused Ukrainian forces of attacks it said had disrupted both efforts.
In a Monday statement, Russia’s Defense Ministry alleged that Ukraine had directed 18 artillery attacks at Oleshky and launched more than 120 drone strikes against the town and nearby roads since Oct. 19. The ministry blamed the attacks for disrupting food and medicine supplies and impeding residents who wanted to leave. Reuters said it could not verify the allegations independently and reported no immediate Ukrainian response. Kyiv has previously accused Moscow of restricting aid access and civilian movement from Oleshky.
A June report from the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine recorded no food delivery to Oleshky from May 26 through June 24. The mission said a land mine at Oleshky’s entrance hit an aid convoy on June 2, killing one man and wounding three others. EconoTimes previously covered the aid conditions in Oleshky.
Ukraine’s General Staff said the pause would start at 9 p.m. ET Oct. 26 (01:00 UTC Oct. 27). The White House listed Oct. 29 as the start date. EconoTimes previously covered the conflicting Oleshky ceasefire dates.
