A localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine began at 3 a.m. local time on Tuesday, enabling a humanitarian operation in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, southern Ukraine. Both militaries confirmed the pause in fighting, which is intended to facilitate aid deliveries and civilian evacuations amid severe shortages of food and medicine.
The truce was brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, who led negotiations with civilian and military representatives from both sides, according to her office. The White House stated the operation was necessary to address the urgent needs of residents in Oleshky, where up to 2,000 people remain stranded due to explosive mines and drone attacks.
Oleshky, located on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River opposite the Ukrainian-held city of Kherson, has been under Russian control since the early days of the February 2022 invasion. Ukrainian officials and human rights advocates have repeatedly warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in the town, with dwindling supplies and limited access to medical care.
Humanitarian operation details
The ceasefire is scheduled to last through Saturday, though neither side has specified an end time. The operation will include the delivery of food, medicine, and other essential supplies, as well as the evacuation of civilians via designated safe passages. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s parliament commissioner for human rights, confirmed via Facebook that Kyiv is honoring the agreement, stating, “As head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, I confirm that the Ukrainian side is honoring its commitments.”
Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov announced the pause in shelling toward Kherson at 4 a.m. Moscow time (1 a.m. GMT) to prepare for the operation. The ministry did not indicate how long the truce would remain in effect.
Broader context and reactions
The ceasefire announcement follows renewed diplomatic pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reach a broader agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. Earlier this month, Trump eased some sanctions on Russia to allow diesel exports, a move criticized by Ukrainian and European officials as undermining support for Kyiv.
In a related development, Russian missile strikes targeted Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Pavlohrad on Monday, killing at least one person and injuring 10 others, including students at a dormitory in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, writing in an online post, “It is important that the world sees that Russia is showing nothing but a desire to kill and continue waging war.”
International involvement and future talks
Melania Trump’s intervention was preceded by discussions with U.N. officials, who briefed her on the dire conditions in Oleshky. The ceasefire is seen as a preliminary step ahead of U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine expected next month. The U.N. estimates that 2,000 civilians remain in Oleshky, unable to leave due to security risks.
Both sides have framed the pause as a temporary humanitarian measure, though deep mistrust persists following previous failed ceasefire attempts. The operation’s success will depend on sustained cooperation and adherence to the agreed terms.