Russia retook positions Ukraine spent nearly a year clearing during Oleshky truce, Kherson regional head says

During the Oleshky truce that lasted from October 27 to November 1, Russian forces managed to regain control of territories that Ukrainian troops had been retaking for nearly a year. Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the Kherson Oblast Military Administration, revealed this on Ukrainska Pravda's podcast Kliati pytannia on November 10.

The truce facilitated the evacuation of around 800 people, as confirmed by US First Lady Melania Trump. Prokudin claims that it also allowed Russian troops to establish a defensive position, and he adds that aid has not reached those who remained. The ombudsmen of both countries have agreed to collaborate and discuss aid deliveries at least monthly; however, the deliveries might require another truce, which could incur similar costs.

During the truce, Russian troops restored Grad launchers, rebuilt destroyed positions, and stocked up on food, generators, and fuel. They also brought in drones, artillery, ammunition, and additional Grad launchers, searching for basements to house drone operators. Prokudin emphasized that the restoration of positions during the ceasefire was something they had been eliminating for about a year.

Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported on November 2 that the agreement prohibited the massing or movement of military equipment, but verification found no violations from either side. Ukrainian forces have since reported witnessing ammunition deliveries on November 2. Russian forces now launch approximately 700-800 drone attacks per day on Kherson and river-side communities, according to Prokudin.

He anticipates that this number will increase, with November 11 marking the anniversary of Kherson's liberation. Prokudin expects the situation to worsen further. About 1,300 people remain in Oleshky, according to the Kherson regional administration, but none of the aid has reached them as it remains in a single warehouse. The residents who inquire are informed that the aid is not intended for them.

Prokudin predicts that the aid will go to individuals with ties to the Russians. He noted that there are about 34 more villages in a similar critical condition, all within a 20-kilometer zone on the occupied left bank of the Dnipro. These villages lack gas, power, water, and face difficulties with food and supply deliveries. Prokudin warned that winter will be very challenging for these communities.

He also reported that Russian forces and the FSB have coerced residents into leaving for Russia before the evacuation.