The White House has presented the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, as one of the key figures to achieve a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the city of Oleshky, located in the south of the country and occupied by Russian troops. The agreement aims to facilitate the arrival of humanitarian aid and organize the evacuation of civilians through a safe corridor.
The announcement comes in the midst of war and at a time of pressure from Washington on the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to move towards an agreement that ends the conflict. While the entourage of Donald Trump highlights Melania's role in the negotiation, the situation on the ground reflects the seriousness of a humanitarian crisis affecting the population remaining in the city.
According to the statement released by the First Lady's office, both countries have agreed to temporarily halt military operations in Oleshky to allow the distribution of supplies and prepare the departure of those who wish to leave the area. However, this is a localized truce, not an agreement to stop the war throughout Ukraine.
When does the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine begin?
The White House has announced that the ceasefire will begin on October 29. However, the Russian Army has indicated that it will suspend hostilities in the area from the 27th, at four in the morning, Moscow time. This difference in dates reflects that the details for launching the operation still need to be coordinated.
The plan contemplates that civilian representatives from Russia and Ukraine will visit the inhabitants to learn about their needs and organize assistance. People who wish to leave will receive support and transportation to their chosen destination, whether Russian or Ukrainian territory, as explained by Melania Trump.
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) October 23, 2026
The first lady has also announced that an American media organization will accompany and document the process. However, the statement does not identify that organization or detail all practical aspects of the operation.
Oleshky suffers a severe humanitarian crisis after months without supplies
Beyond the political prominence that the White House has granted to Melania Trump, the situation of the inhabitants of Oleshky is the main reason for concern. The city, occupied by Russia, suffers from a severe lack of food, water, electricity, and medicine, while its residents remain exposed to the effects of the war.
According to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, food supplies have not reached the city since May 26. For his part, the head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, has reported that around 2,000 people, including about 50 children, are surviving without food, electricity, or water. The Human Rights Commissioner of the Ukrainian Parliament, Dmytro Lubinets, has also warned of the seriousness of the situation and noted that some people are dying due to the lack of basic resources.
The truce aims to open a way to bring aid and allow civilians to leave the city. However, its success will depend on the involved forces respecting the cessation of hostilities and on teams being able to work safely in an area affected by fighting and mined roads.
