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First lady Melania Trump has negotiated a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the war-ravaged city of Oleshky, with both countries agreeing to suspend military operations beginning Oct. 29 to allow humanitarian assistance and civilian evacuations, according to the White House.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
First lady Melania Trump has secured an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to temporarily halt military operations in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky, the White House announced Friday, Oct. 23, marking a significant development in her humanitarian efforts involving the two countries.
The White House announced that the localized ceasefire will begin Oct. 29, allowing humanitarian supplies to enter the Russian-controlled city and establishing a designated safe passageway for civilians seeking evacuation.
The agreement is limited to Oleshky and does not represent a broader ceasefire in the nearly five-year war between Russia and Ukraine.
“The situation in Oleshky is dire. Oleshky is a front-line war city on the brink of disaster. Oleshky’s remaining population is comprised primarily of elderly residents who urgently need medical attention, medicine, food, and clean water,” Melania Trump said.
“The people of Oleshky have limited electricity, live amid mined roads, and endure regular military attacks. It was abundantly clear that without my intervention, the possibility to bring humanitarian aid into the city and to evacuate the elderly would be impossible.”
According to the administration, the first lady and her representative worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to establish the agreement’s objectives, implementation procedures, timing and operational terms.
The White House described Melania Trump’s diplomatic role as an “Exclusive Intermediary,” saying she initiated discussions with both governments and coordinated arrangements for humanitarian access.
Under the agreement, civilian representatives from Russia and Ukraine will work together to assess conditions inside Oleshky and identify residents requiring assistance.
Teams are expected to visit homes, evaluate medical and humanitarian needs, and coordinate transportation for those wishing to leave.
“Non-military, civilian leaders from both countries will work together to visit Oleshky residents in their homes and determine the level of assistance they require. Residents who wish to evacuate will receive coordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination. I anticipate some will want to go to Russia, and some to Ukraine,” the first lady said.
The administration emphasized that residents will be permitted to choose their evacuation destinations rather than being directed to one country.
Melania Trump also announced that an American media organization would accompany the humanitarian teams to document the operation and observe how civilian evacuation decisions are handled.
“I have also secured an impartial American media organization to accompany and document Russian and Ukrainian teams on the ground throughout the process. This will play a significant role in ensuring that the wishes of each family are faithfully respected,” she said.
According to Reuters, representatives from both sides have discussed the arrangements, with the humanitarian operation expected to begin once the ceasefire is implemented.
Oleshky, located across the Dnipro River from the Ukrainian-controlled city of Kherson, has remained under Russian occupation since the early months of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Before the war, the city had approximately 24,000 residents. The White House estimates that between 1,700 and 2,000 people remain, primarily elderly residents, along with approximately 50 children.
The city’s humanitarian conditions have deteriorated significantly because of prolonged fighting, damaged infrastructure, shortages of essential supplies and restrictions on movement.
The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in June 2023 caused extensive flooding throughout the region, including large portions of Oleshky.
According to the White House, approximately 90% of the city experienced flooding following the disaster, contributing to the destruction of homes and public infrastructure.
Residents have also faced limited access to electricity, medical services, food and drinking water as fighting continues in surrounding areas.
The Associated Press reported that the proposed arrangement would allow humanitarian assistance to reach civilians who have remained largely isolated by the conflict.
The agreement follows international appeals for humanitarian access, including discussions involving Pope Leo XIV and Russian officials.
Although the White House announced the ceasefire as an agreement between both governments, its implementation remains scheduled for Oct. 29, and the suspension of military operations has not yet begun.
The announcement also represents another development in Melania Trump’s involvement in efforts to address the humanitarian consequences of the war.
Since 2025, the first lady has engaged Russian and Ukrainian officials regarding children separated from their families during the conflict.
In August, the White House reported that her diplomatic initiatives had helped facilitate the reunification of 34 children and families.
Those efforts began after she sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing concern about children affected by the war.
Her office subsequently worked with officials from both countries to arrange additional reunifications, including the return of five children to their families in July.
The first lady has emphasized humanitarian cooperation as a means of addressing the suffering of civilians despite the continuing military conflict.
The latest ceasefire agreement comes as President Donald Trump’s administration continues diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a broader settlement between Moscow and Kyiv.
Those negotiations have remained difficult, with major disagreements over territorial control, security guarantees and the conditions required for a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Unlike proposals for a nationwide truce, the Oleshky arrangement focuses on a limited humanitarian objective: permitting aid deliveries and civilian evacuations within a defined geographic area.
Its success will depend on whether Russian and Ukrainian forces observe the agreed suspension of hostilities and whether civilian teams can safely reach residents.
For the people remaining in Oleshky, the scheduled Oct. 29 ceasefire could provide an opportunity to receive essential supplies, obtain medical attention or leave the city after years of conflict.
The White House said the first lady would remain engaged with both governments as preparations proceed for the humanitarian operation.
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