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Melania Trump helps broker Ukraine ceasefire
US First Lady Melania Trump has helped broker a local ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky to facilitate humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations, the White House said Friday.
The ceasefire is scheduled to begin on October 29. Melania Trump said the situation in the city was “on the brink of disaster.”
The White House said she and a representative worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to establish the terms. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets thanked her, saying the operation would be gradual and difficult to implement.
Russian military chief Gen. Valery Gerasimov said forces would halt fire in the Kherson area from 4am Tuesday Moscow time to support the humanitarian operation and ensure safe passage for aid convoys. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov thanked Melania Trump, saying the evacuation could take several days, without specifying destinations.
Melania Trump said civilian representatives would assess residents' needs and arrange transport to their preferred destinations. An unnamed American media organisation will document the process.
Oleshky has faced severe shortages of food, medicine, electricity, heating and running water. Captured by Russian forces in February 2022, the city was later devastated by shelling and flooding following the 2023 Kakhovka Dam collapse.
The initiative comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Kyiv over military support and efforts to end the war, reports UNB.