'The city is alive': A brief peace in Kherson, but residents fear what comes next

A temporary ceasefire has brought rare quiet to Kherson, offering its residents a glimpse of normal life before fighting resumes. The temporary ceasefire in Kherson has provided its residents with the first glimpse of peace in nearly five years The Ukrainian city of Kherson has known its first two days of quiet after many years, as a US-brokered temporary ceasefire has allowed residents rare moments of respite from the constant Russian aerial attacks that plague the front line region. Videos posted on social media showed people strolling down streets covered in anti-drone nets and gathering in the city's squares – ordinary activities that usually mean keeping one eye on the sky and one ear out for incoming drones.

"Ever since the ceasefire was announced, there's been total silence," said Olga, 42, speaking by phone from Kherson. "We are all, of course, overjoyed." "I don't even know what to call it," she added, her smile coming through in her voice. "It's as if everything has finally come to an end." Since Tuesday, Kherson has "literally come back to life," Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said. "People are calmly going out, walking, enjoying the autumn sun. What for some is ordinary everyday life, for residents of the Kherson region today is the greatest desire." The temporary pause in hostilities – due