• 2
min read
Editor's note: This story is being updated.
U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has mediated a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in and around the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast to allow the safe evacuation of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid, the White House press service said on Oct. 23.
The move comes amid increased attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the city, which over the past weeks has gained international attention, including from Pope Leo XIV.
According to the press release, the First Lady "initiated discussions with both nations and aligned the parties on the agreement’s objectives, technical procedures, timing, processes, and terms, in her formal role as Exclusive Intermediary."
Oleshky, located just across the Dnipro River from Kherson, has been effectively blockaded by Russian forces in the area, who prevent humanitarian aid from entering. Civilians attempting to flee via the only roads in and out of the city are frequently targeted by drones.
"Non-military, civilian leaders from both countries will work together to visit Oleshky residents in their homes and determine the level of assistance they require," Melania Trump was quoted as saying in the press release.
"Residents who wish to evacuate will receive coordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination. I anticipate some will want to go to Russia, and some to Ukraine."
According to the document, an "impartial American media organization" will visit the area to document the work of both sides in the area.
Neither Russia nor Ukraine has made any comments on the ceasefire at the time of publication.
The intervention of the White House in the situation in Oleshky comes at a time of fraught relations between Kyiv and Washington, after the Trump administration agreed to waive sanctions on Russia and buy Russian diesel fuel, while the artificial throttling of Starlink terminals on Ukrainian drones continues.