US-brokered ceasefire in Oleshky raises fears of Russian propaganda stunt

A US-brokered local ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky aims to evacuate up to 2,000 trapped civilians, but aid organizations fear Russia will use the operation as a propaganda stunt and prevent people from reaching Ukrainian-controlled territory. The evacuation route passes through Russia or occupied Crimea, raising concerns that Moscow will not honor promises allowing residents to choose their final destination. Caritas Norway's Tuva Bugge said the group is worried about follow-up care in occupied areas and potential propaganda use, while Ukrainian officials report residents are deeply concerned Russians will take them to Russia instead of Ukraine. First Lady Melania Trump, who led the negotiations, pledged residents would receive transport to their preferred destination, and the ceasefire has held for 30 hours as of Wednesday. The operation, planned to begin Thursday and last until November 1, comes after months of severe shortages in Oleshky, where residents reportedly search for food scraps and collect grass due to lack of supplies.