KHERSON, Ukraine (AP) – Civilians in the southeastern Kherson region of Ukraine prepared for the conclusion of a localized ceasefire that began early on Tuesday and marked the most significant truce between Kyiv and Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine 4.5 years ago. The ceasefire, which is expected to end Sunday evening, provided a crucial respite for residents in the front-line city of Oleshky, allowing for a rare joint evacuation operation that concluded on Saturday.
The White House reported that U.S. First Lady Melania Trump played a role in brokering this limited truce. An estimated 2,000 civilians were still in Oleshky when the ceasefire took effect. Residents were given the option to evacuate to either Ukraine or Russia-controlled territories, or to remain in the city where food and medical supplies were replenished. For the safety of those who chose to stay, exact figures regarding their numbers were not disclosed after the evacuation.
As the ceasefire wound down, tensions remained high. Aerial strikes continued in other regions, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that Russia was targeting Ukraine's energy systems ahead of the winter months. In a post on X, Zelenskyy expressed concern that hundreds of thousands of families were left without power as Moscow aimed to exploit Ukraine's shortage of air defenses, indicating that “the intensity of the strikes is extremely high.”
Residents in Kherson appeared calm on Sunday, even as they anticipated the end of the temporary ceasefire. Oleksandr Knyha, head of the Mykola Kulish Kherson Regional Academic Music and Drama Theater, reassured the audience during a concert, saying, “Don’t be afraid, keep holding on.” The theater, which performs every weekend, has remained operational throughout the conflict and plans to continue performances regardless of the escalating situation.
Despite the relative quiet from the ceasefire, some locals expressed skepticism about its lasting impact. Costume maker Alla Vasylenko, 58, voiced her fears, saying that everything would likely revert to conditions pre-truce. She mentioned that she doesn’t plan to leave Kherson, partly due to her ten dogs and the financial burdens of evacuating, estimating the costs could be between 30,000 to 50,000 hryvnias.
Knyha, who hails from the occupied left bank of Oleshky, remains hopeful about returning home one day. On the final day of the ceasefire, the theater staged a concert featuring a “musical map of Ukraine,” showcasing songs from various regions, including Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Knyha articulated the theater's mission to unify and instill hope among the people through their performances.
However, the situation remains precarious. Russian drone strikes targeted the Kyiv region for the second consecutive day, resulting in injuries and damage to homes, energy infrastructure, and local businesses. Ukraine's air force reported that Moscow launched 433 drones overnight, with 371 being destroyed or neutralized before they could inflict damage.
In addition to the Ukrainian air operations, more than 100 Ukrainian drones were reportedly shot down over Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region, with local officials confirming significant damage to an industrial building in the town of Kstovo, and reports emerging of a fire at the Kstovo oil refinery.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had targeted a factory in Russia's southern Rostov region that was producing missile components and air defense facilities. He emphasized the importance of defending against Russian aggression and reducing Russia's capacity to continue its attacks.
Lastly, the ongoing conflict continues to impact civilians and infrastructure on both sides, raising questions about the immediate future as hostilities show no signs of abating. The situation remains fluid with ongoing military actions and concerns for safety and humanitarian needs in the region.
