Ukrainian Marines say Russia used Oleshky ceasefire to move tanks and remove bodies

The withdrawal of civilians from Oleshky was framed as a humanitarian effort, but new video evidence suggests the ceasefire served a dual military purpose for Russian forces.

Sky News released exclusive drone footage taken near the headquarters of the Ukrainian Marines 34th Brigade. The clips show Russian soldiers moving heavy armored vehicles and ammunition into the town during the lull in fighting. Ukrainian commanders state that these movements were not part of the humanitarian mission. The footage also captures soldiers carrying large rucksacks into damaged buildings with basements, a pattern consistent with establishing fortified positions rather than merely protecting civilians.

Dmytro Pulinets, the commander of the 34th Separate Marine Brigade, noted the change in Russian behavior. He said his units previously would not have driven through the town in any weather or time of day, but now they move constantly. Pulinets added that the Russians restored all artillery systems, reclaimed lost positions, and brought in fresh reinforcements and fuel supplies during the truce. He described his feelings as mixed, acknowledging the vital nature of evacuating civilians while warning that the military buildup would create significant work for his brigade once hostilities resume.

The footage also documents the removal of bodies from a hospital morgue. Sky News reported that the dead were placed in double body bags and loaded into a truck. Residents told the correspondents that many of these individuals died from violent causes rather than natural ones. The channel noted that the Russians did not allow local residents to bury the dead. Additionally, drone video showed Russian soldiers carrying white boxes and sacks of food rations away from distribution points for their own use.

The ceasefire in the Oleshky area of Kherson Oblast began at 03:00 on October 27 and ended at 22:59 on November 1. This window allowed for the evacuation of residents via Russia and Belarus before they crossed into Ukraine. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed that Russian forces used the period to rotate units and improve anti-drone protection along key roads. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on October 31 that the humanitarian operation was complete, with all evacuees safely in Chernihiv Oblast.

Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner, declared the end of the ceasefire on the evening of November 1. He stated that both sides had fulfilled their obligations during the agreed period. The agreement for the evacuation route through Russian and Belarusian territory was explained by Lubinets' office as a specific arrangement between the warring parties. The conclusion of the truce marks the return to standard military operations in the region after the successful transport of civilians to Ukrainian soil.