U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has brokered a limited ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine that will take effect in the southern Ukrainian town of Olesky, the White House said in a statement. The agreement calls for a temporary halt to military operations in the area to allow humanitarian aid to reach the area and prepare for the evacuation of civilians through a safe corridor. The ceasefire is expected to begin on Oct. 29, if the plan is implemented according to the announced timeline.
Olesky is located on the banks of the Dnipro River, opposite the city of Kherson, and has been under Russian occupation since 2022. The city has been hit hard by fighting and flooding following the collapse of the Kahovka Dam, and the remaining residents face a shortage of food, drinking water, electricity and medical assistance. According to international media reports, about 1,700 to 2,000 residents remain in the city, including children.
Testimonies from residents published by Sky News describe extreme survival conditions, with some people forced to boil grass to cope with the lack of food. The White House stated that Melania Trump has communicated directly with Russian and Ukrainian representatives to determine the conditions and organization of the humanitarian operation. According to the announced plan, civilians who wish to leave will receive assistance and transportation to the destination of their choice. However, it remains important that the ceasefire is implemented on the ground and that the humanitarian corridor guarantees the safety of residents.
