Oleshky: Moscow announces local ceasefire from 03:00 Greek time
An official Russian announcement precedes a humanitarian operation on 27 October. Observance of the ceasefire and completed aid delivery have not been independently established.
Updated 27.10.2026 · 04:58, Athens time — What changed
Russia’s Defence Ministry announced on 27 October that Russian forces had ceased fire in the Kherson sector from 04:00 Moscow time, equivalent to 03:00 Greek time, ahead of preparations for a humanitarian operation around Oleshky.
The full statement on the ministry’s official channel describes a “regime of silence”. ERT also reports the announcement, citing ANA-MPA and AFP. This is a new operational claim by the Russian side, beyond the earlier diplomatic request for a humanitarian ceasefire covered in this article.
What the statement does not confirm
It gives no end time, specific humanitarian-convoy route or completed delivery of supplies. A ceasefire announcement does not by itself independently establish that the ceasefire is being observed throughout the area or that civilians have been evacuated. This development concerns local humanitarian arrangements around Oleshky and is not presented as a general ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.
Earlier updates — history
Pope Leo XIV called on Vladimir Putin for a humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky, in the Kherson region, during a telephone call on 16 October 2026, according to a Holy See Press Office statement published by Vatican News.
The request concerns food and medical assistance and the voluntary, safe evacuation of civilians. The Pope expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the city, in the Russian-occupied part of Kherson.
Russia’s position and the unresolved question of implementation
Reuters, in an accessible ERT report, says the Kremlin expressed support for the initiative on residents’ safety and essential supplies and agreed to cooperate with the Vatican.
A statement of support does not establish that a ceasefire is being implemented. The texts checked do not establish a specific starting time, operational guarantees, a completed delivery of supplies or a completed civilian evacuation.
English translation of the Greek edition · Read in Greek