Key facts
- A temporary ceasefire in Kherson has provided residents with rare moments of respite.
- The ceasefire is due to end on Sunday.
- Fears exist that Russia is using the truce to bolster its forces.
- Residents were able to access homes in the 'red zone' for the first time in years.
- The population of Kherson has fallen from over 250,000 to about 65,000.
Kherson has experienced its first two days of quiet in years due to a temporary ceasefire brokered by the US, allowing residents rare moments of respite from constant Russian attacks. Videos showed people strolling through streets and gathering in squares, activities previously fraught with danger. "Ever since the ceasefire was announced, there's been total silence," said Olga, a 42-year-old resident. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets stated that Kherson had "literally come back to life" since Tuesday, with people calmly going about their day. The pause in hostilities, set to end Sunday, is part of efforts to facilitate a safe passage and evacuation of civilians from Oleshky, across the Dnipro river. However, there are fears that Russia is using the truce to bolster its forces for a renewed assault.