FM Sybiha: Russia’s deliberate attacks on civilians are Putin’s real response to easing sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the Ukrainian town of Oleshky as a "Russian settlement" during a call with Finnish and Norwegian leaders on October 27, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Civilians in the town are set to be evacuated from the hospital on October 30, though the date may be altered, Deputy Head of the Kherson Oblast Military Administration Oleksandr Tolokonnikov informed DW on October 27.

The town, located on the Dnipro river's left bank, has been under Russian control since February 2022 and is severely lacking in essential supplies. Of the pre-war population of 24,000, only 1,700 to 2,000 residents remain, predominantly elderly. The ISW warns that Russia may not grant residents a "legitimate and duress-free choice" to return to Ukraine, potentially treating Russian passport holders as citizens without legal options to return.

Russia may route evacuees through occupied Crimea or Russia, according to a source familiar with the talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on October 25 that Russia would "de-mine in a manner that these people go towards Russia and remain there." A ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia took effect on October 27 at 3:00 AM Kyiv time and is expected to last until 10:59 PM on November 1. The truce covers the town of Oleshky, the Kherson Oblast coast, and Kherson city.