Melania Trump brokers truce for Ukraine city 'on brink of disaster', White House says
The White House says First Lady Melania Trump secured a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the occupied city of Oleshky, starting October 29, so humanitarian aid can reach civilians and a safe corridor can evacuate those who want to leave.
The White House has announced that First Lady Melania Trump has brokered a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the war-ravaged city of Oleshky. The localized truce is set to begin on October 29.
Under the deal, both sides agreed to temporarily stop all military action in Oleshky so humanitarian aid can enter the city and civilians can be evacuated through a designated safe passageway.
Oleshky sits on the Dnipro River and has been occupied by Russian forces since the first day of the invasion. Once home to about twenty four thousand people, fewer than two thousand remain, mostly elderly residents, with no electricity, heat or running water. The White House said survivors have been reduced to eating garden weeds, and called the city a front-line war zone on the brink of disaster.
The White House said the First Lady initiated the discussions and worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to define the terms. Neither Kyiv nor Moscow has commented on the announcement yet. Non-military teams from both countries are expected to visit residents and coordinate evacuations, with an American media outlet documenting the effort.