Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt military action in the front-line Ukrainian city of Oleshky so aid can reach residents and civilians can leave, according to First Lady Melania Trump’s office.
The White House posted the announcement Friday morning. It said the local ceasefire begins Oct. 29. The first lady’s office said she and a representative worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to set the terms.
What the agreement covers
- Where: Oleshky only. The city sits in southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, across the Dnipro River from the city of Kherson.
- When: The pause in fighting starts Oct. 29. The White House called it temporary and did not give an end date.
- Aid: Humanitarian supplies are to enter the city while the ceasefire holds.
- Evacuation: Residents who want to leave will get help and transportation through a designated safe passage. The first lady said she expects some to choose Russia and some to choose Ukraine.
- Home visits: Civilian, non-military leaders from both countries are to visit residents at home to decide what help each needs.
Who remains in Oleshky
The White House said about 24,000 people lived in Oleshky before the war. It estimated 1,700 to 2,000 remain today, mostly older residents who could not leave, along with about 50 children. It said about 90% of the city flooded after the Kakhovka Dam was destroyed.
“Oleshky’s remaining population is comprised primarily of elderly residents who urgently need medical attention, medicine, food, and clean water,” Melania Trump said in the statement. She said residents live with limited electricity, mined roads and regular attacks.
How the talks started
The first lady’s office said she learned of the city’s condition during her Fostering the Future Together event in New York at the United Nations General Assembly. It said her team used a channel with both countries that was set up through six earlier reunifications of 34 children. The statement said both nations assigned teams, including for mine clearing.
She also said an American media organization will travel with the Russian and Ukrainian teams to document the process. The statement did not name the organization or include comment from Russian or Ukrainian officials.
The announcement follows earlier U.S. efforts on the war, including a limited energy ceasefire and the release of American Stephen Hubbard, both covered by iSEARK.com.
