Melania Trump Brokers Oleshky Ceasefire Amid Conflicting Claims
Agreement aims to evacuate civilians and deliver aid to war-torn Ukrainian city seized by Russian forces in 2022.
Carla Rooney
Melania Trump has brokered a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine for civilian evacuation from Oleshky.
The White House announced Friday morning the First Lady persuaded both countries to "temporarily stop all military action." This agreement allows for safe passage of civilians. It includes humanitarian aid entry and a designated evacuation route for residents.
The ceasefire is expected to begin on October 29. The White House claims the First Lady initiated the discussions, working directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to define the terms.
Oleshky, a city in the Kherson region, fell to Russian forces in February 2022. The First Lady previously led efforts to free Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russian forces.
The Kakhovka Dam collapsed in June 2023 from an explosion. The blast inundated Oleshky and killed hundreds of residents. An Associated Press investigation found the explosion was likely caused by the Russian military.
White House indicated that Remaining residents in Oleshky resorted to eating garden weeds to survive.
Remaining residents in Oleshky resorted to eating garden weeds to survive. The White House claims Russia, as the occupying power obligated by international law to ensure civilians under its control have what they need to survive, made no commitment to provide aid.