Zelenskyy explained how Russia exploited the humanitarian mission in Oleshky

The Russian army used a humanitarian operation to evacuate residents of the occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region to rotate troops and equipment and reinforce its positions on the left bank. In particular, according to Ukrainian marines, during the ceasefire, the occupiers brought more than a thousand troops into the occupied territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this following a meeting with the heads of regional military administrations.

“Unfortunately, under the guise of a humanitarian operation in Oleshky, the Russian army carried out a significant rotation of personnel and equipment on the left bank. Additional occupying forces were brought into Oleshky and the surrounding community,” the head of state said.

The 34th Separate Marine Brigade had previously reported the redeployment of over a thousand Russian troops. According to information provided by the military to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s “Crimea.Realities” project, Russia took advantage of the ceasefire during the humanitarian mission to bring reinforcements into the occupied part of the Kherson region.

Ukrainian military officials do not rule out the possibility that Russian forces may be preparing for an offensive toward Kherson. At the same time, the Ukrainian Armed Forces state that they are ready for any attempts by the enemy to advance.

Zelenskyy also announced that, following the meeting, the Armed Forces command is to present proposals for additional protection of the civilian population of Kherson from Russian attacks.

The ceasefire in the Oleshky area was in effect from October 27 to November 1. It was implemented to facilitate a humanitarian mission, the delivery of aid, and the evacuation of civilians.

Андрій Колісніченко