The ceasefire began Tuesday morning in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, located across the Dnieper River opposite Kherson. It has reportedly expanded to other parts of the region. Aid workers are attempting to clear mines from roads, deliver food and medicine, and evacuate residents. The humanitarian operation is set to continue until early November.
Oleshky
About two thousand people are estimated to remain in Oleshky. The city has been largely destroyed by years of fighting, floods, mines, and drone attacks. Both Russia and Ukraine claim to be adhering to the ceasefire, but independent verification of full compliance is lacking.
The local ceasefire coincides with preparations for new peace talks among Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. President Zelensky hopes these talks will take place between November 6 and 10, possibly in Abu Dhabi. Washington has not confirmed a final date, awaiting the interim parliamentary elections first.
Practical
The initial negotiations are expected to yield practical agreements on protecting power plants, safe navigation through the Black Sea, prisoner exchanges, and partial ceasefires. Zelensky does not expect an immediate comprehensive peace agreement.
Buffer Zone
The biggest stumbling block remains the future of the Donbas. Russia demands Ukrainian territorial concessions, while Kyiv advocates for a ceasefire along the current frontlines. Zelensky has left room for discussions about buffer zones or demilitarized areas. A possible meeting between Zelensky, Putin, and Trump depends on the outcome of preparatory negotiations.
Security Guarantees
According to Zelensky, Moscow also wants separate agreements with the United States or NATO regarding the European security order. These could include Russian demands to reduce NATO’s military presence in Eastern Europe to pre-1997 levels.
Zelensky is seeking binding security guarantees as part of a peace settlement. He adds that Ukraine will require at least ten years of international funding to maintain a substantial army and to deter a new Russian attack.
Netherlands
European governments fear being excluded from negotiations directly affecting their security. Dutch Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma believes Europe, as a major funder of Ukraine, must also exercise political influence. He opposes a return to normal trade relations with Russia as long as the war continues.
According to Zelensky, the Netherlands is preparing a new military aid package worth 500 million euros. Additionally, 1.2 billion euros in non-military aid is planned over the next three years. Also mentioned are 40 million euros for an energy fund and 55 million euros for Dutch energy equipment.
Also UK
The United Kingdom has announced more than 10 billion pounds in aid through 2027. These financial commitments highlight that European countries are anticipating a prolonged Ukrainian need for military and economic support.
