Ceasefire in Kherson Ends Amid Ongoing Strikes
A six-day localized ceasefire in Kherson has concluded without extension, allowing for the evacuation of civilians while strikes continue across Ukraine.
The recent six-day ceasefire in Ukraine's Kherson region has ended without any reported violations, but also without an extension. The truce facilitated the evacuation of hundreds of residents from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, marking a rare joint operation between Kyiv and Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian strikes elsewhere in Ukraine left hundreds of thousands without power. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks caused significant damage to an industrial site in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region.
The ceasefire, which expired at 10:59 PM local time, was established after mediation efforts involving U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV. Ukraine's military confirmed the evacuation of 167 individuals, including children and those requiring special assistance, from the southern Kherson region. Melania Trump noted that the ceasefire provided residents with essential resources and a sense of dignity.
Despite the ceasefire, a Ukrainian official indicated that Russia declined an offer to extend it. Kherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin urged residents to remain vigilant as the ceasefire ended, warning of high risks in areas near the Dnipro River. In Kherson city, residents maintained a sense of calm, with local leaders encouraging perseverance.
As the ceasefire concluded, both sides resumed air strikes, with Zelenskyy stating that Russia continues to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Recent attacks resulted in casualties, including a drone strike that killed three individuals in Vinnytsia. In response, Ukraine has targeted missile component factories and air defense facilities in Russia, asserting its right to defend against aggression.