Oleshky Truce Holds on Day Three as Ukraine Warns of Deportation Risk

A fragile cease-fire around Russian-occupied Oleshky entered its third day on October 29, offering hope to civilians facing shortages, amid fears Russia could use the pause to forcibly transfer residents to Russia or Crimea. The localized truce, brokered with US first lady Melania Trump's involvement, took effect October 27 and lasts until November 1, with no violations reported in its first two days. Ukrainian officials say success depends on safe evacuations and residents' freedom to choose destinations. The Congressional Ukraine Caucus welcomed the cease-fire but warned that forcibly transferring civilians constitutes a war crime. Razom for Ukraine estimates 1,700 to 2,000 civilians remain trapped, while advocates note the lack of credible third-party monitoring from the ICRC or UN is a serious weakness.