Oleshky Ceasefire: First Lady Claims Exclusive Role in Six-Day Truce
Melania Trump’s office says she personally negotiated the pause with Russian and Ukrainian leaders, though neither government has yet confirmed the terms.
By Rafael Esposito ·
The fighting in Oleshky will stop for six days, starting next Thursday.
The office of First Lady Melania Trump announced on Friday that she secured a temporary halt to military action in the Russian-occupied city. The stated goal is humanitarian aid and the evacuation of civilians along a designated safe passage. The agreement is set to take effect on October 29.
Mrs. Trump described the city as a front-line zone on the brink of disaster. She said the remaining population consists mostly of elderly residents who need medicine, food, and clean water. According to her office, residents have limited electricity and live amid mined roads with regular attacks.
The announcement credited the first lady alone with brokering the deal. Her office stated she acted as the “Exclusive Intermediary,” working directly with both leaderships to define the terms. She claimed that without her intervention, bringing in aid and evacuating the elderly would have been impossible.
Ukrainian officials indicated that a tentative agreement has been reached, but neither Russia nor Ukraine has publicly commented on the specific details. Under the plan, non-military civilian leaders from both countries will visit homes to assess needs. Those who wish to leave will receive coordinated transportation to a destination of their choice, whether in Russia or Ukraine.
Newsmax, a conservative media outlet, has agreed to document the work of the joint teams. White House communications director Steven Cheung called the development “amazing news” on X, describing it as a major step toward peace. The arrangement follows a call between Pope Leo and President Vladimir Putin, during which the pope expressed concern about the humanitarian situation.
The pause comes amid stalled peace efforts by President Trump. He has recently expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting Ukraine should have a new leader. In a remark to reporters earlier this week, the president said, “Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine.”
Source: CBS News
