Civilians in Ukraine's Kherson prepare for return of war as localized ceasefire ends

Kherson, a southeastern region of Ukraine, faced the end of a localized ceasefire on Sunday, marking the most significant truce between Kyiv and Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine five years ago. U.S. First Lady Melania Trump reportedly played a role in brokering the limited truce, which commenced early Tuesday and is anticipated to conclude Sunday evening.

The period of cease-fire enabled besieged residents in the front-line city of Oleshky to be evacuated in an unprecedented joint operation that concluded on Saturday. Melania Trump conveyed her thoughts via social media, stating, "The ceasefire across Oleshky and the surrounding Kherson region has provided residents with the freedom to move, access to food, clean water, medicine, plus a renewed sense of dignity without the constant threat of attack.

Let Oleshky become the starting point for lasting peace." At the time of the temporary truce, approximately 2,000 civilians resided in Oleshky. They were presented with options to evacuate to territory controlled by Ukraine or Russia, or remain in the city with replenished provisions.