Russia refuses to slow offensive but agrees to local humanitarian ceasefires in Oleshky

Russia said on Monday it will not slow its offensive in Ukraine even as it opens to short‑term humanitarian ceasefires, with a truce set to begin in the southern city of Oleshky on Tuesday.

What Happened

The Kremlin announced it can allow local ceasefires along the front line, citing humanitarian needs. The ceasefire in Oleshky is brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump after weeks of reports that residents lack food, water and medicine.

Reaction

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the request for local truces is “absolutely” welcomed for humanitarian purposes, but added that resuming trilateral talks does not limit combat operations. He said Russian forces will continue massive strikes on Ukraine’s military‑industrial complex and have stepped up drone and missile attacks on energy sites to plunge the country into winter darkness.

Context

The ceasefire offers brief relief to civilians while the wider war continues, and Russia’s demand for more eastern territory and sweeping restrictions on Kyiv remains a major obstacle to any lasting settlement.