Russia and Ukraine began to hold a ceasefire in the area of the city of Olshki. Reuters. Russia and Ukraine have declared a local ceasefire to allow the start of a humanitarian operation in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshki, both sides said. The ceasefire is supposed to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as the evacuation of the city's residents, who are experiencing an acute shortage of food and medicine. "As the head of the Ukrainian negotiating delegation, I confirm that the Ukrainian side fulfills its obligations," human rights ombudsman Dmitry Lubintz wrote on Facebook and confirmed the date of the cessation of shelling by Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Telegram that as of 4:00 a.m. Moscow time, the Russian army stopped shelling towards Kherson in order to prepare for the operation in Olshki, which is on the opposite bank of the Dnieper from Kherson. The New York Times clarifies that the first task will be to clear access roads of Russian saboteurs, after which humanitarian aid, including medicine and food, will be delivered to the city by truck. After that, the residents will register for evacuation and are expected to start leaving on buses starting Thursday. Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantertova said on Monday that the Russian mission in Ulshki will determine the needs of the local population and provide assistance. "Another task is to ensure the departure of people, who, I emphasize, will make such a decision voluntarily. There are not many people in Olshki who have expressed a desire to leave," she said. The agreed evacuation route passes through Russian-controlled territory, so the operation will only include Russian soldiers. Ukrainian officials are concerned that Russia will portray the event as a major humanitarian gesture from Moscow.