Melania Trump brokered a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine for the occupied city of Oleshky.
The agreement pauses military action to allow humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations, with the truce set to begin on October 27 or 29, according to conflicting statements from Russian and U.S. officials. Oleshky, a frontline city in Kherson Oblast, has a remaining population of about 2,000, mostly elderly residents facing starvation, mined roads, and regular attacks, the White House said.
The First Lady described the situation as dire, stating that without her intervention, delivering aid and evacuating civilians would have been impossible. Residents will be allowed to choose evacuation to either Ukraine or Russia, with coordinated support and transportation provided, she added.
The Kremlin confirmed the ceasefire, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov praising Melania Trump’s role. Russia’s army chief Valery Gerasimov said operations in the Kherson region would halt as part of the agreement.
President Donald Trump called the ceasefire his wife’s initiative, emphasizing her focus on saving children in conflict zones. Melania Trump has previously worked to reunite children separated by the war, her office said.
Ukraine’s military confirmed the temporary halt in hostilities, with both sides preparing to assess aid needs in the devastated city. An impartial American media organization will accompany Russian and Ukrainian teams to ensure residents’ wishes are respected, Melania Trump said.
