Russia Says Ukraine Has Repeatedly Struck Oleshky With Artillery, Drones Ahead of Local Ceasefire

By Reuters Oct. 26, 2026 Destruction in the Russian occupied city of Oleshky. 34th Separate Marine Brigade "Borysfen" / Handout via REUTERS Russia's Defense Ministry on Monday accused Ukraine of repeatedly striking the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine with artillery and drones ahead of a planned local ceasefire this week, something it said had thwarted the delivery of food and medicine and stopped people leaving. Ukraine and Russia said on Friday they had agreed on a ceasefire in Oleshky, that would go into effect on Oct. 27, allowing the delivery of aid and the evacuation of residents through humanitarian corridors. Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Monday that Ukraine had struck the town 18 times with artillery fire and carried out more than 120 drone attacks on it and the main roads around it in the last week since Oct. 19. Reuters could not independently verify that assertion and there was no immediate response from Ukraine, which has in the past accused Russia of not letting aid in or people out. Also on Monday, the Kremlin said that the local humanitarian ceasefire agreed for Oleshky with U.S. help could set a precedent for similar ceasefires elsewhere in Ukraine. The ceasefire comes as residents of the town, controlled by Russian forces since February 2022 and located close to the front line, have reported ​a deepening food crisis with both sides accusing each other of blocking supplies. Read more about: Ukraine war Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Critical Week for NATO as Trump, Ukraine War Test Alliance NATO members will seek answers on U.S. commitment to Ukraine and European security at its defense ministerial and the Munich Security Conference. 5 Min read Russia Says Captured Key Mining Town of Toretsk in East Ukraine Toretsk is the biggest settlement that Moscow claims to have captured since Avdiivka in late February 2024, almost a year ago. 3 Min read Overnight Russian Attacks on Sumy Region Kill 3 People, Ukrainian Prosecutors Say Prosecutors said the Russian military attacked the village of Miropillia, which lies just across the border from Russia. 1 Min read Ukraine Offers Humanitarian Corridor for Russian Civilians in Seized Border Areas President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office said it had not received an official request from Moscow about helping return stranded civilians. 1 Min read