Melania Brokers Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire in Oleshky, Effective From October 29
US First Lady Melania Trump has secured a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky. The ceasefire will take effect from October 29. The White House announced the information on Friday.
This town in southern Ukraine has been under Russian occupation since February 2022. Its residents have reported a severe food crisis.
A White House statement said: 'Both countries have agreed to temporarily halt all military activity in Oleshky, so that humanitarian aid can reach there and preparations can be made to evacuate civilians through a designated safe route.'
Melania Trump has been playing an active role in efforts to return Ukrainian children detained by Russia during the war to their families. The Oleshky ceasefire is also being seen as a continuation of that humanitarian initiative.
In a statement, Melania Trump said: 'The situation in Oleshky is extremely dire. This frontline town is now on the brink of catastrophe.'
She added that most of those who remain in Oleshky are elderly people who urgently need medical care, medicine, food and clean water.
Delivering humanitarian aid during the ceasefire period and preparing to evacuate civilians safely — these two tasks have been identified in the statement as the most important now.
As a frontline town, the humanitarian situation in Oleshky has long been fragile. Alongside the food crisis, shortages of medical care and clean water have made residents' lives even harder.
If the ceasefire takes effect from October 29, it is hoped the way will open for aid to reach the town. The agreement also includes preparations to evacuate civilians through a designated safe route.
Both Russia and Ukraine have agreed to this temporary pause, according to the White House. The First Lady's direct involvement in reaching such an understanding has drawn special international attention.
Attention will now turn to October 29 — the success of this initiative will depend on how effectively the ceasefire holds on the ground and how far the work of delivering humanitarian aid and evacuating civilians progresses.
