Russia continues to showcase selective “humanity.” While drawing global attention to the Oleshky humanitarian mission – where it is participating in a localized ceasefire to deliver aid and allow evacuations for civilians facing severe shortages and starvation – it has simultaneously carried out strikes that killed dozens of civilians in other Ukrainian cities, including Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, and Kremenchuk.
These attacks occurred as the Oleshky operation was being prepared and implemented, with Russian officials maintaining a calm public face throughout.
Oleshky (Russian-occupied, Kherson region): A localized ceasefire began early on October 27 (lasting until around November 1), brokered with involvement from U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.
It covers aid delivery and civilian evacuations for the roughly 1,700 – 2,000 remaining residents (including dozens of children) trapped amid months of acute food, water, medicine, and electricity shortages.
Ukrainian officials (including Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets) and Russian counterparts have been coordinating; demining of routes is underway, a Ukrainian delegation is en route, and aid deliveries are expected imminently.
Residents had largely been cut off from regular supplies since around late May. Ukrainian forces had previously attempted limited drone drops of aid. The operation is framed as a rare de-escalation focused on this specific area.
Strikes elsewhere on October 29: Ukrainian authorities reported Russian drone/missile strikes that day killing civilians in multiple cities.
In Dnipro, a strike hit a railway station platform (reports of 13 killed).
In Chernihiv, a strike in the city center killed two people (including two 15-year-old girls) and injured others.
In Kremenchuk, a strike hit a residential area/apartment building (2 killed, including impacts on children).
Zaporizhzhia also saw strikes wounding people.
Various reports that morning cited at least 17 deaths across Dnipro, Chernihiv, and Kremenchuk alone, with dozens injured overall. These fit a pattern of ongoing strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Tags: russia ukraine war
