Temporary Russia-Ukraine Truce Set for Oleshky Civilians
Washington, October 23
A temporary truce between Russia and Ukraine has been negotiated in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky, with US First Lady Melania Trump serving as mediator. The agreement aims to let aid convoys enter the city and allow vulnerable residents to leave under protection.
The White House said the truce will take effect on October 29. Both sides have agreed to suspend military operations so that relief supplies can be delivered and civilians trapped in the war-affected city can be evacuated through a designated safe passage.
The breakthrough came after Melania Trump and her representative spoke directly with leaders in Moscow and Kyiv. In her mediating role, she helped settle the goals, methods, timetable, and implementation framework of the deal.
White House officials framed the arrangement as a humanitarian intervention. Thousands of people remain in the frontline city, and officials say the largest concern is for elderly residents who have few resources.
"The situation in Oleshky is very grave," Melania Trump said. "This is a war-torn city on the front lines, and it is facing destruction." She stressed that most people still living there are older, and that they are suffering from a serious lack of basic necessities.
She described the daily hardships residents face. "The people of Oleshky have only limited electricity. They live among roads full of landmines and face constant military attacks. It was evident that without my intervention, it would have been impossible to bring in humanitarian aid and move the elderly to safety."
Under the terms, civilian representatives from both countries will carry out joint home visits to determine residents' needs. Anyone who wants to leave will receive help and transport to the place of their choice.
"Residents who want to leave will get coordinated support and transportation to the destination they prefer," Melania Trump said. "I expect some will choose Russia and others Ukraine."
The deal also includes independent media coverage of the humanitarian mission. Melania Trump said she had arranged for a fair American media organization to accompany Russian and Ukrainian teams on the ground and record developments. The White House said the media presence will help make sure families' wishes are respected during evacuations.
The effort began when Melania Trump learned of the Oleshky situation at her "Fostering the Future Together" event in New York City. The gathering was held during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. She then opened talks with officials in Russia and Ukraine using communication channels that already existed.
"My representative and I have used the established line with Russia and Ukraine on six previous occasions to reunite 34 children," she said. After that, both governments named teams to implement the deal on the ground. Those arrangements include demining work to ensure safe movement through the conflict zone. "All sides have been working around the clock since then," Melania Trump said.