A ceasefire has taken effect in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky, allowing a humanitarian mission to proceed. The pause in fighting, brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, began early Tuesday and is set to last until later in the week. The operation aims to deliver aid to residents suffering from acute food shortages.

Ukrainian forces have also taken steps to evacuate pets from the area, sending adapted cages to Oleshky to ensure the safety of animals. The mission highlights the growing efforts to support civilians caught in the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukrainian military units have begun using aerial rescue drones to evacuate wounded soldiers, marking a new tactic in the war.

The ceasefire comes amid continued attacks by Russian forces on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which the UN has labeled a war crime. Reports indicate that Russian strikes have targeted heating plants and power lines, disrupting essential services. Ukraine has also called for urgent delivery of Patriot missiles to bolster its defenses against ongoing missile and drone attacks.

The situation in Oleshky reflects the complex and evolving nature of the conflict, where humanitarian efforts and military operations continue to intersect. As the war persists, the international community remains closely watching the developments in eastern Ukraine.