US First Lady Melania Trump says she has helped safe a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the southern Ukrainian metropolis of Oleshky, which has been beneath Russian occupation since February 2022.
The White House introduced the event on Friday, October 23, 2026. A senior Ukrainian official advised Reuters that the ceasefire could be put in place quickly, whereas a Kremlin spokesman mentioned the Russian navy was working to coordinate the timing.
The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies diplomatic efforts to finish the battle, placing higher stress on Ukraine whereas making a number of concessions to Russia.
In a press release launched by the White House, Melania described the state of affairs in Oleshky as essential.
“The situation in Oleshky is dire. Oleshky is a front line war city on the brink of disaster,” she mentioned.
She defined that residents have been scuffling with restricted electrical energy, mined roads and repeated navy assaults.
“The people of Oleshky have limited electricity, live amid mined roads, and endure regular military attacks. It was abundantly clear that without my intervention, the possibility to bring humanitarian aid into the city and to evacuate the elderly would be impossible,” she added.
Melania mentioned her representatives had engaged immediately with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to agree on the phrases of the native ceasefire.
She additionally mentioned civilian officers from each nations would work collectively to make sure that humanitarian help reaches residents affected by the battle.
Oleshky, which had about 24,000 residents earlier than the battle, is positioned close to the southeastern frontline. Russian forces captured town on the primary day of their full-scale invasion in February 2022, and it has since endured heavy bombardment.
Although most residents have left, those that stay face extreme shortages of meals and medical provides. Russia and Ukraine have each accused one another of obstructing the supply of important provides.
According to Melania, the ceasefire will permit about 2,000 remaining residents who need to go away to be evacuated to their most popular vacation spot in both Russia or Ukraine.
She additional disclosed that “an impartial American media organisation” would accompany Russian and Ukrainian groups throughout operations on the bottom. However, she didn’t title the organisation.
Melania has beforehand been concerned in efforts to reunite youngsters taken by Russia through the battle with their households.
