Russia Accuses Ukraine of 18 Artillery Strikes on Oleshky Ahead of Ceasefire

Russia's Defense Ministry stated on Monday that Ukrainian forces carried out 18 artillery strikes on the Russia-controlled city of Oleshky and conducted over 120 drone attacks on the city and adjacent roads over the course of a week—starting from October 19. According to the ministry, this obstructed the delivery of food and medicine and prevented civilians from leaving the city. Ukraine did not immediately comment on the statement.

Russia and Ukraine announced on Friday an agreement on a local ceasefire in Oleshky, which is set to take effect on October 27. The agreement provides for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of residents through humanitarian corridors.

On Monday, the Kremlin stated that the local humanitarian ceasefire, reached with U.S. assistance, could serve as a precedent for similar agreements in other parts of Ukraine.

Oleshky has been under Russian military control since February 2022 and is located near the front line. City residents have reported a worsening food crisis; both sides have mutually accused each other of blocking supply deliveries.