The White House today announced that US First Lady Melania Trump negotiated a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which will enter into force on October 29 in Oleshky. The agreement aims at the entry of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of civilians from the city affected by the war.
© Lusa
23/10/2026
by
Lusa
A The White House announced today that US First Lady Melania Trump negotiated a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which is due to enter into force on October 29 in the city of Oleshky.
According to a statement from the U.S. Presidency, the truce is intended to allow humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of civilians from that war-affected city.
The White House explained that Melania Trump took the initiative to establish contacts and that, together with a representative, worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to define the terms of the ceasefire.
The agreement announced is limited to the city of Oleshky, not covering the whole of the fight front between the two countries.
To date, the governments of Russia and Ukraine have neither commented on the American announcement nor confirmed the terms of understanding.
Situated near the Dniepre River, which separates Ukrainian forces from Russian troops occupying the city, Oleshky faces a serious humanitarian crisis, marked by food and medicine shortages.
The city has been without electricity, heating or piped water for months, while the access roads are mined and filled with destroyed vehicles.
The constant presence of military drones makes it even more difficult to circulate and assist the population.
Before the large-scale Russian invasion, which began on February 24, 2022, Oleshky had about 24,000 inhabitants.
The city was occupied by Moscow forces on the first day of the offensive and subsequently suffered bombings and fires that destroyed buildings and damaged essential infrastructure.
The situation worsened in June 2023, when the destruction of the Kakhovka dam caused devastating flooding in the region.
Today, civilians who remain in Oleshky face increasing risks of hunger and disease, at a time when a harsh winter is approaching.
The Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly called for a ceasefire located to organise withdrawal operations of the civilian population.
Until the announcement of the White House, Moscow had made no such commitment.
Under international humanitarian law, Russia, as an occupying power, has an obligation to ensure that the civilian population under its control has the essential assets for survival.