In brief
Yana Lantratova told Russian social media that a six‑day “silence regime” in Oleshky enabled the delivery of aid and voluntary evacuations, with both sides fulfilling their obligations. Ukrainian sources, however, allege that Russian forces used the pause to reinforce their positions, although their claim lacks corroboration in the available reports. Oleshky – occupied by Russia since February 2022 – remains in need of continued humanitarian support, according to Lantratova’s statement.
On Sunday, Moscow‑based Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova announced that a six‑day humanitarian ceasefire in the frontline city of Oleshky was observed by both Russia and Ukraine, allowing aid to reach civilians and safe, voluntary evacuations to proceed.
Lantratova posted the statement on the Russian social‑media platform MAX, saying, “All obligations were observed by both sides. This made it possible to deliver aid to the residents and ensure a safe, voluntary departure for those who decided to leave the city.” She added that residents still remaining in Oleshky need help and that humanitarian work must continue.
The “silence regime,” in operation from Tuesday to Sunday, saw humanitarian teams deliver supplies across the Dnieper River and move people who wished to leave the occupied town. Oleshky is located on the left bank of the Dnieper, opposite the Ukrainian‑controlled city of Kherson. It has been under Russian control since February 2022.
Contrasting reports from Ukraine claim that Russia used the same six‑day truce to rotate units, strengthen defences and expand logistics within the area. A Reuters‑linked article—though the page is currently unavailable—reported that Ukrainian forces alleged the pause was exploited by Russian troops to rearm. The claim remains unverified, as no independent verification has been provided.
Meanwhile, a source from pravda.com.ua—an active Ukrainian outlet—asserts that Russian forces benefited from the humanitarian pause, using the time to reinforce positions around Oleshky. The outlet describes how the ceasefire allowed Russian troops to rotate units and bolster defense lines, a view that contradicts Lantratova’s statement that all parties respected the humanitarian regime.
As the situation unfolds, both sides maintain distinctly different narratives. Humanitarian organisations and observers remain urged to monitor Oleshky closely, as the town continues to suffer from conflict‑related disruptions and needs sustained aid.
