Ukraine rights chief explains Russian gear in Oleshky footage

A temporary pause in fighting around the town of Oleshky recently concluded, ending a humanitarian mission that allowed residents to leave via a route through Russia and Belarus. The cessation of hostilities lasted from 03:00 on 27 October until 22:59 on 1 November. During this window, a dispute emerged over the presence of Russian military hardware in the zone.

British channel Sky News released a report showing Russian forces moving heavy equipment and ammunition within the area. The journalists filmed from the command centre of Ukraine's 34th Marine Brigade, where troops monitored Russian movements. The footage depicted vehicles marked with red crosses traveling through the sector while the truce remained in effect.

Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner, addressed these visuals at a press conference on 2 November. He stated that the specific equipment seen in the video was assigned to mine clearance duties. According to Lubinets, the vehicles operated under strict Ukrainian supervision and returned to their original positions once the mines were removed. He noted that the video can be interpreted in various ways but emphasized that he is reporting on events that occurred under his oversight.

The ceasefire agreement explicitly banned the buildup of forces and the movement of equipment between the two sides. Lubinets pointed to the document signed by the parties, which contained these prohibitions. To enforce the terms, both nations appointed specific representatives responsible for monitoring compliance. The initial plan called for checks every two hours, followed by periodic public updates on the findings.

Lubinets said he met with Ukraine's designated representative and defense members before the truce ended. Following those checks, both sides confirmed that no violations had been recorded. After reports of alleged breaches surfaced on 2 November, Lubinets personally reviewed the footage and contacted the Ukrainian representative. He held a subsequent meeting to discuss the observations.

Commander Dmytro Pulinets of the 34th Marine Brigade told Sky News that Russian forces used the pause to repair artillery systems and retake lost positions. He also reported that troops rotated, reinforcements arrived, and aerial reconnaissance capabilities were strengthened. Ukraine's General Staff added that the opposing side built up logistics and improved anti-drone protection on roads during the same period.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 31 October that all evacuated Ukrainian citizens had crossed the border into Chernihiv Oblast. Lubinets declared the end of the ceasefire on the evening of 1 November, stating that both parties had fulfilled their obligations throughout the designated timeframe.