First Lady Melania Trump has secured an agreement between Russia and Ukraine for a temporary ceasefire in Oleshky, the White House said Friday, crediting her with helping arrange an aid and evacuation mission for civilians trapped in the front-line city.
The localized ceasefire is scheduled to begin October 29, allowing humanitarian supplies into the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city and preparations for civilian evacuations through a designated safe passageway.
The Ukrainian Embassy confirmed the agreement to The Hill. CNN also reported confirmation from officials on both sides.
Direct Talks With Both Sides
According to the first lady’s office, Melania Trump and her representative worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to establish the agreement’s terms and procedures.
CNN reported that Oleshky’s circumstances came to her attention during a private discussion at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Her previous work on reuniting children separated from their families by the war had already established communication channels.
“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,” she said in the White House release.
Aid for Residents Still Trapped
Approximately 1,700 to 2,000 people remain in Oleshky, according to the White House figures cited by The Hill. The first lady described a population made up primarily of elderly residents facing urgent shortages of medicine, food and clean water.
Civilian teams from both countries are expected to visit residents, determine what help they need and arrange transportation for those who want to evacuate.
“I anticipate some will want to go to Russia, and some to Ukraine,” Melania Trump said.
Trump Praises First Lady’s Effort
President Donald Trump praised his wife’s work Friday, saying both sides were cooperating with her, according to CNN. He described helping children affected by the war as her focus.
For the residents still inside Oleshky, the next step is practical: getting supplies through dangerous routes and establishing safe transportation out.
The White House announcement sets October 29 as the start of that effort, with the agreement focused on humanitarian access and civilian evacuation in the city.
