US First Lady Melania Trump’s office has announced a temporary, localised ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, aimed at allowing humanitarian aid deliveries and preparing civilian evacuations through a designated safe passage.
According to her office, the ceasefire is scheduled to begin on October 29, 2026.
Melania Trump said she worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to establish the agreement’s terms, including its timing, procedures and coordination.
She described conditions in Oleshky as critical, saying the remaining population, largely elderly residents, urgently needs medical care, medicines, food and clean water.
The city also faces limited electricity, mined roads and regular military attacks.
Under the proposed arrangement, civilian representatives from both countries will assess residents’ needs and coordinate transport for those wishing to leave, including to destinations in either Russia or Ukraine.
Her office also said an impartial American media organisation would document the process to help ensure families’ wishes are respected.
Melania Trump said the initiative followed discussions during her Fostering the Future Together event in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
She added that communication channels established through earlier efforts to reunite 34 children with their families helped facilitate talks.
Oleshky had around 24,000 residents before the war. Estimates now suggest 1,700–2,000 remain, including about 50 children. The city was heavily flooded after the Kakhovka Dam’s destruction.
Russia and Ukraine had not publicly commented on the announcement at the time of the report, though Ukrainian officials indicated a tentative agreement.
