Melania Trump’s office says she has secured a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, allowing humanitarian aid to enter and civilians to be evacuated.
The local agreement is due to begin on Thursday October 29 and would halt military action in the southern Ukrainian city, according to the first lady’s office. Russia and Ukraine have not publicly commented on the announcement, although Ukrainian officials indicated that a tentative agreement had been reached.
Mrs Trump’s office said she had worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to set the terms of the arrangement, including its timing, procedures and objectives.
“The situation in Oleshky is dire,” she said. “Oleshky is a front-line war city on the brink of disaster.”
She said the city’s remaining population was mainly elderly people in urgent need of medical care, medicine, food and clean water. Residents were also facing limited electricity, mined roads and regular military attacks, she added.
Under the plan, civilian representatives from Russia and Ukraine will visit residents at home to assess their needs. Those wishing to leave will receive transport and support to their chosen destination, with some expected to travel to Russia and others to Ukraine.
Mrs Trump’s office said she had also arranged for an American media organisation to document the work of the Russian and Ukrainian teams. Newsmax, a conservative outlet, said it would take part.
White House communications director Steven Cheung described the announcement as “amazing news” and said it was “a major, positive step towards peace”.
The announcement follows concern expressed by the Vatican about the humanitarian situation in Oleshky. The Vatican said Pope Leo had discussed the city with Russian President Vladimir Putin by telephone the previous week.
Mrs Trump has also worked to reunite 34 children with their families after they were forcibly removed by Russia, according to the material released by her office.
