Ukraine accuses Russia of using the Melania Trump-brokered Oleshky ceasefire to reinforce its positions after nearly 800 civilians were evacuated

Ukraine's General Staff confirmed on Monday that Russian forces rotated units, fortified positions, expanded anti-drone measures and increased ammunition deliveries throughout the six-day Oleshky truce, accusing Moscow of exploiting the pause for military gain. A drone strike hit central Kherson city within hours of the ceasefire expiring, though no casualties were reported. Melania Trump, who helped broker the truce alongside Pope Leo, said nearly 800 civilians were evacuated and called Oleshky a 'starting point for lasting peace.'

Ukraine's 34th Marine Brigade warned residents to heed air-raid sirens, saying Russia had 'used the ceasefire to prepare and strengthen its capabilities' and that an intensification of fighting should be expected.

Evacuees described years of hunger, landmines and drone strikes under Russian occupation; one 75-year-old, Oleksandr Styopin, stepped off the bus and said simply: 'We are coming from hell.'

Russia's Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow had a 'positive view' of how the Oleshky operation was conducted, and Ukraine's ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said both sides were exploring ways to repeat similar humanitarian missions.