The White House announced Friday that First Lady Melania Trump secured a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to facilitate the evacuation of civilians from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky. The truce, set to begin October 29, will temporarily halt all military action to allow for humanitarian aid and safe passage for residents.
Oleshky, a front-line war city in the Kherson region, has been under Russian control since the first days of Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The remaining population consists primarily of elderly residents, many of whom lack access to medical care, food, clean water, electricity, heat, and running water. Reports indicate some civilians have resorted to eating garden weeds to survive due to severe shortages.
First Lady Melania Trump stated in a release that the ceasefire aims to address the "dire" conditions in Oleshky, where residents face mined roads and regular military attacks. Her office said she worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to define the terms of the agreement, including timing, processes, and evacuation logistics. The ceasefire will allow non-military civilian leaders from both countries to assess residents’ needs in their homes and coordinate evacuations to their preferred destinations, which may include Russia or Ukraine.
An American media organization has been secured by the First Lady’s office to document the evacuation process, ensuring the wishes of each family are respected. The White House noted that Russia and Ukraine have not yet publicly commented on the announcement.
Oleshky’s plight came to the First Lady’s attention during her attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, where she initiated discussions to address the humanitarian crisis. The city’s infrastructure has deteriorated significantly since its capture, with reports of food and medical supply shortages persisting for months. The Kakhovka Dam collapse in June 2023 further exacerbated the situation by cutting off critical water supplies.
The ceasefire is expected to provide a temporary window for aid delivery and civilian movement, though its long-term impact remains uncertain given the ongoing conflict.