A temporary ceasefire in Russian-controlled Oleshky is due to begin on October 29, allowing humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations. The White House credited US First Lady Melania Trump with helping broker the arrangement.
WEB DESK: Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary, local ceasefire in Oleshky, a Russian-controlled city in southern Ukraine, to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and prepare civilian evacuations, according to the White House. The arrangement is scheduled to begin on October 29.
The White House credited US First Lady Melania Trump with helping broker the agreement after discussions with Russian and Ukrainian leaders. The Kremlin subsequently confirmed that an arrangement had been reached, while Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia also acknowledged the agreement and highlighted plans for humanitarian corridors.
The agreement is limited to Oleshky and its surrounding area. It does not represent a ceasefire across the wider Russia-Ukraine war.
Ceasefire intended to allow aid and evacuations
According to the White House, both countries agreed to temporarily halt military activity in Oleshky to permit humanitarian supplies to enter and establish a designated safe passage for civilians who want to leave.
The planned operation is intended to help residents obtain food, clean water, medicines and medical care. Evacuation arrangements are expected to allow civilians to travel to a destination of their choice in either Ukraine or Russia, according to reporting on the announcement.
The ceasefire is due to start on October 29. Russian and Ukrainian forces still need to coordinate implementation details, including the timing and practical arrangements for the evacuation operation.
Oleshky faces a severe humanitarian crisis
Oleshky lies in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, across the Dnipro River from the Ukrainian-controlled city of Kherson. Russian forces have controlled the town since the early days of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
The White House described conditions in Oleshky as dire, saying the remaining population urgently needed food, clean water, medicines and medical attention.
The town’s population has fallen sharply from about 24,000 before the invasion to an estimated 1,700–2,000 residents. Those remaining are reported to include many elderly people and around 50 children. Damage to infrastructure, limited electricity and difficult access have compounded the humanitarian emergency.
The collapse of the Kakhovka Dam in 2023 also contributed to extensive flooding across parts of the region, further damaging homes and infrastructure.
Melania Trump credited with helping broker agreement
The White House said Melania Trump initiated discussions and worked with a representative and Russian and Ukrainian leadership to establish the terms of the local ceasefire.
She has previously been involved in efforts concerning children separated from their families during the war. In announcing the Oleshky arrangement, she emphasised the urgency of getting humanitarian assistance to residents and enabling vulnerable civilians to leave.
The Kremlin acknowledged her contribution, while Ukrainian negotiator Arakhamia also recognised the roles of the US first lady and Pope Leo in efforts to secure a humanitarian arrangement.
The agreement follows earlier calls for a pause in fighting to allow civilians to leave Oleshky. The planned ceasefire provides a specific framework for humanitarian access, although its success will depend on whether the parties adhere to the arrangement on the ground.
