Russian and Ukrainian officials reported overnight strikes Saturday as conflicting start dates for a localized ceasefire around Oleshky, a Russian-controlled town in Ukraine’s Kherson region, left the timing uncertain.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses downed 616 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions, Crimea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The ministry also claimed Russian forces struck a port facility in Chornomorsk, Odesa region, describing it as a site for producing uncrewed surface vessels.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 126 drones overnight and that Ukrainian defenses destroyed or suppressed 101, including 50 jet-powered Shahed drones. It reported hits at 14 locations and debris from intercepted drones at five other locations.
Two people were injured when a strike damaged a private home in Kyiv’s Obolonskyi district, the Kyiv City Military Administration reported. In Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported a drone strike in the Industrialnyi district and said officials were assessing the effects.
The Oleshky ceasefire arrangement is intended to enable aid deliveries and help civilians leave, the White House said. Ukraine’s General Staff announced a start of 9 p.m. ET Oct. 26 (01:00 UTC Oct. 27), equivalent to 3 a.m. Kyiv time Oct. 27. The White House gave Oct. 29 as the start date.
