Kherson Ceasefire Ends as War in Ukraine Enters Fifth Year
Ukraine war ceasefire in Kherson ends after five years of conflict, with renewed tensions and attacks reported.
2 min read
The longest truce of the Ukraine war, brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and limited to the Kherson region, has ended after five years of conflict. The ceasefire, which began on Tuesday, allowed for a humanitarian mission to the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky and marked a rare pause in fighting. However, neither side announced an extension, and the truce is set to expire on Sunday evening.
Humanitarian Relief Amid Ongoing Conflict
The ceasefire, described by a Ukrainian lawmaker as the “biggest de-escalation since 2022,” provided a brief respite for residents of Kherson. AFP spoke to several locals, one of whom called the ceasefire a “breath of fresh air.” Volodymyr Omeltchenko, a 38-year-old gardener, said the pause allowed them to “get things done,” including preparing rose bushes for winter.
Russian Activities Under the Ceasefire
Despite the calm, Russian forces used the truce to strengthen their positions. A Ukrainian military officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that the fighting would likely be “worse than before” when it resumed. Russian troops gathered new forces, transported ammunition, and used surveillance drones to monitor Ukrainian positions across the Dnipro river.
Escalating Attacks and Power Outages
On Sunday, Ukraine’s energy ministry reported fresh power outages following Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including in Kyiv. Ukrainian media also reported that Kyiv had attacked the Kstovo oil refinery, calling it one of Russia’s largest oil refineries. These strikes are part of Kyiv’s retaliation for Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy systems.
Global Implications and Diplomatic Talks
The war, sparked by Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion, has devastated parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, killing hundreds of thousands and forcing millions to flee. Russia, which denies targeting civilians, now occupies around a fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, Donbas, and parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. U.S.-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to resume this month, following a freeze since the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran in February.
International Response and Concerns
U.S. President Donald Trump has been urging Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian oil and gas sites, blaming them for rising diesel costs linked to the Iran war. Meanwhile, Russia claimed a drone strike had hit an “industrial enterprise” east of Moscow, further escalating tensions in the region.
Source: Breitbart
