Oleshky humanitarian mission begins — but can Russia be trusted after overnight Kyiv strike?

This morning, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) announced that a humanitarian mission in Russian-occupied Oleshky had finally begun. Civilians are being evacuated, aid is being delivered. The operation is supposed to proceed under a local “silence regime” — a temporary ceasefire negotiated, according to Ukrainian officials, with the involvement of Melania Trump.

It sounds like a breakthrough. But there is a problem.

Last night, between October 26 and 27, Russia struck Kyiv with ballistic missiles. Air defense intercepted two missiles and 255 drones. One person was killed, at least ten were wounded (Ukrainian state agency Ukrinform reports 15, the BBC says 10 — the number is still being clarified). The strikes damaged the Pivdennyi Bridge, a university dormitory, a hospital, and Lisova metro station.

Strictly speaking, the attack on Kyiv does not violate the local ceasefire in Oleshky, which is hundreds of kilometers away. But it does raise a fundamental question about trust. If Russia is willing to bombard a capital city just hours before a humanitarian operation is supposed to start, how reliable are its promises of safe passage for evacuation convoys?

Both Ukrinform and the BBC confirm Budanov’s statement. The BBC also notes that it had reported on the preparation of a ceasefire as early as October 24. However, no independent evidence — video, photos, or witness accounts — has emerged yet to confirm that the evacuation has physically begun on the ground.

The role of Melania Trump also remains unclear. Her senior advisor Mark Beckman told Ukrinform that the First Lady “will continue to do everything possible to help the Ukrainian people.” But the interview contains no direct reference to Oleshky or the ceasefire. Where the claim of her mediation came from is not yet verified.

Any effort to get civilians out of occupied territory is welcome. But the stakes are life and death. If Russia uses the “silence regime” as cover for an attack, the consequences would be catastrophic.

For now, we have only words. No statement from the Kremlin or the Russian occupation administration in Kherson region. The entire burden of safety rests on those who organized the mission — and on those who promised not to shoot.

Can Russia be trusted? The answer is obvious. But for the people trapped in Oleshky, there may be no other choice.