The White House has announced that First Lady Melania Trump successfully negotiated a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the occupied city of Oleshky, located in the Kherson region. The truce is set to commence on October 29, though neither Ukrainian nor Russian authorities have independently confirmed the agreement.
According to the statement, Oleshky is described as a frontline city on the verge of disaster, with its remaining population primarily consisting of elderly residents in urgent need of medical care, food, medicine, and clean water. The city, which was captured by Russian forces in the early days of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, has seen its inhabitants resort to extreme measures for survival, including consuming garden weeds.
The White House emphasized that Melania Trump and her representatives collaborated directly with both Russian and Ukrainian leadership to establish the terms of the ceasefire. Non-military civilian leaders from both nations are expected to coordinate visits to Oleshky residents to assess their specific needs and provide assistance.
Evacuation options will be offered to those wishing to leave, with organized support for transportation to their preferred destinations. Melania Trump noted that residents face severe challenges, including limited electricity, mined roads, and ongoing military attacks, stating that without her intervention, humanitarian access and evacuations would be unfeasible.
The duration of the ceasefire has not been specified in the announcement.
