Ukraine and Russia agree to evacuate civilians from besieged Oleshky

Ukraine and Russia have confirmed a "silence regime" for evacuating civilians from the blocked town of Oleshky, with both sides agreeing to halt fire on the Kherson front starting at 3:00 AM on October 27, 2026. The Russian General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov announced Moscow's readiness to cease fire to ensure safety and deliver humanitarian aid to Oleshky. Ukraine's General Staff confirmed the truce for the humanitarian operation in the temporarily occupied area, stating defense forces will make every effort to help residents. The agreement follows negotiations involving Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and US First Lady Melania Trump's mediation. Around 6,000 civilians, including up to 200 children, remain in Oleshky and six nearby settlements, facing severe conditions including food shortages.