By Salma El-Sakka
The Ukrainian city of Kherson has experienced its first two days of quiet in nearly five years under a U.S.-brokered temporary ceasefire, giving residents a rare respite from constant Russian aerial attacks.
Rare Quiet Returns to Kherson
Since the ceasefire began Tuesday, people have been seen strolling streets covered in anti-drone nets and gathering in squares, activities that usually require vigilance for incoming drones. Resident Olga, 42, described total silence and joy, saying it feels as if everything has finally come to an end.
Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said Kherson has "literally come back to life," with people calmly enjoying the autumn sun. The pause in hostilities, set to end Sunday, resulted from efforts by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump to broker safe passage for civilians from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky across the Dnipro River.
Ceasefire Linked to Oleshky Evacuation
Russian forces have been clearing mines from the road ahead of a planned evacuation of Oleshky civilians on Friday, which some American journalists will witness. However, local officials and analysts fear Russia is using the truce to reinforce positions and bring in military supplies ahead of a renewed assault on Kherson.
Fears of Russian Military Buildup
An anonymous local government source told the BBC that Russian forces are strengthening positions, redeploying troops, and moving weapons and drones. Petro Andriushchenko, director of Ukraine's Center for Studying the Occupation, said residents reported a military buildup near Radensk, about 20 km from Oleshky.
Past ceasefires were generally not respected, but this time no violations have been reported since Tuesday. Resident Dima said people are in disbelief, going to shops and walking around, making the city feel alive. Social media posts reflected similar astonishment at uneventful trips to supermarkets.
Residents Return to Devastated Red Zone
During the lull, dozens accessed homes in Kherson's "red zone," an area so exposed to drones and artillery that it has been unlivable. Czech volunteer Denisa Bohackova described people venturing into places where presence meant almost certain death, retrieving belongings from charred or looted flats.
Some returned for personal reasons. Angela Dobrovolska traveled from Kyiv to visit her husband's grave; he was killed two years ago in a drone grenade attack, a type of "human safari" for which Kherson is infamous.
Kherson's population has dropped from over 250,000 to about 65,000 since Russia's full-scale invasion began. Civilian life continued under battlefield conditions, with schools, theaters, kindergartens, and hospitals moved underground. Bohackova said an ordinary Kherson civilian has experienced more war than many soldiers.
Uncertain Future as Truce Nears End
Olga described regular blackouts, drone-dropped mines, and a city that typically shuts by afternoon. Since the silence fell, she drove to another town, visited her grandmother, and saw shops and cafes full, even a small traffic jam. But the ceasefire ends Sunday, and residents fear renewed, intensified strikes.
"The concern is that, starting Monday, things could turn truly chaotic," Olga said. Dima added that these few days showed how life could be if the war finally ended.
