Key facts
- A ceasefire in Oleshky is set to begin on October 29.
- The agreement is intended to allow humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations.
- Oleshky has endured severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.
- An estimated 1,700 to 2,000 residents remain in Oleshky, including around 50 children.
US First Lady Melania Trump has secured an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to temporarily halt military operations in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, the White House announced on Friday. The localized ceasefire is scheduled to begin on October 29, with both sides agreeing to suspend military action to establish a designated safe passage for residents wishing to leave. The White House stated that Melania Trump initiated discussions and worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to define the terms of the humanitarian pause. The intent is to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and evacuate civilians trapped near the front line in a city devastated by years of occupation, severe food shortages, and dangerous escape attempts. Residents have faced shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, with some resorting to eating weeds. The city, which had approximately 24,000 residents before the invasion, now has an estimated 1,700 to 2,000 remaining, including about 50 children.