Russia's Defense Ministry on Monday accused Ukraine of repeatedly striking the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine with artillery and drones ahead of a planned local ceasefire this week, something it said had prevented the delivery of food and medicine and stopped people from leaving.
Ukraine and Russia said on Friday they had agreed to a ceasefire in Oleshky that would go into effect on Oct. 27, allowing for the delivery of aid and the evacuation of residents through humanitarian corridors.
Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Monday that Ukraine had struck the town 18 times with artillery fire and carried out more than 120 drone attacks on it and the main roads around it in the week since Oct. 19.
Reuters could not independently verify that assertion, and there was no immediate response from Ukraine, which has in the past accused Russia of not letting aid in or people out of the town.
Also on Monday, the Kremlin said that the local humanitarian ceasefire agreed for Oleshky with the United States' help could set a precedent for similar ceasefires elsewhere in Ukraine.
The ceasefire comes as residents of the town, controlled by Russian forces since February 2022 and located close to the front line, have reported a deepening food crisis, with both sides accusing each other of blocking supplies.
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