Ceasefire in Oleshky for evacuation – Melania Trump is a mediator, the White House announced
U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has mediated a local ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the area of the occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky in the Kherson region. The goal is to ensure the safe evacuation of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid. This was announced by the White House on October 23. So far, neither Kyiv nor Moscow has publicly confirmed the agreement.
According to the announcement, Melania Trump initiated talks with both countries and coordinated the goals, technical procedures, timelines, and terms of the agreement. The White House defines her official role in the process as an "exceptional mediator."
The initiative comes against the backdrop of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, which has attracted international attention in recent weeks, including from Pope Leo XIV.
The humanitarian crisis in Oleshky
The city is located across the Dnieper River, opposite Kherson, and is under Russian occupation.
According to the Kyiv Independent, Russian forces have effectively blocked Oleshky and are obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid. Civilians attempting to leave the city via the only entry and exit routes are often targeted by drone attacks.
Under the plan announced by the White House, civilian representatives from both countries are to visit residents in their homes to determine what assistance they need.
"Residents who wish to evacuate will receive coordinated support and transport to their preferred destination. I expect some will want to go to Russia, and others to Ukraine," Melania Trump said in the statement.
An impartial American media organization is also expected to visit the area to document the actions of both sides.
Kyiv and Moscow have not yet commented on the agreement
At the time of publication, neither Russia nor Ukraine had made official statements regarding the announced ceasefire.
The Kyiv Independent sought confirmation from Ukrainian authorities but did not receive a response.
Throughout the war against Ukraine, local and temporary ceasefires have been announced repeatedly. However, their observance on the ground has often been inconsistent.
Stefan Vorontsov, a coordinator for volunteers from the non-governmental organization Humanity, which helps evacuate civilians from occupied territories, expressed hope that people would be saved but fears provocations and extortion.
He also warned about the possibility of the evacuation being organized through Russian territory—a route he believes many residents will not accept.
"I hope, like everyone, that people will be saved—preferably everyone who wants to be, not just those who manage to get out in time. But I fear there will be provocations, extortion, a route through the Russian Federation, and the use of the evacuees for public propaganda," Vorontsov told the Kyiv Independent.
According to him, a successful operation could set a precedent for the first official evacuation from the occupied territories. This would allow for the organization of other similar operations, but the volunteer admitted there is little hope for such a development.
Tension between Kyiv and Washington
The White House's intervention in the Oleshky situation comes at a time of strained relations between Ukraine and the U.S.
The Donald Trump administration has agreed to make an exception to sanctions against Russia to purchase Russian diesel. Meanwhile, restrictions on the Starlink connection for Ukrainian drones continue.
On October 13, Donald Trump unilaterally announced that Russia and Ukraine had reached an agreement to stop strikes on energy infrastructure. It subsequently became clear that no such ceasefire exists in practice.
