Kherson enjoys a brief ceasefire, but residents fear a worse offensive ahead

A US-brokered temporary ceasefire has brought two days of quiet to the Ukrainian city of Kherson, allowing residents rare respite from Russian attacks, but fears are growing that Moscow will use the pause to reinforce its troops for a renewed offensive. The truce, due to end Sunday, was arranged to evacuate civilians from Russian-occupied Oleshky across the Dnipro river, with residents now enjoying normal activities like strolling and shopping. However, local officials report Russian military build-ups, including supplies and drones, suggesting the lull may strengthen enemy positions before fighting resumes. Kherson's population has fallen from 250,000 to about 65,000 since the invasion began, with daily life long marked by drone attacks and blackouts. Residents are using the pause to visit homes in dangerous "red zones," though many fear the situation will become "worse than before" once the ceasefire ends.