Russia and Ukraine have agreed to temporarily halt hostilities in Oleshky, in the temporarily occupied part of Kherson Region, to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and prepare the evacuation of civilians via a safe corridor. The local ceasefire is due to begin on 29 October 2026.
This is stated in a White House statement.
According to the statement, US First Lady Melania Trump and her representative worked directly with the leadership of Russia and Ukraine to agree the terms of the local ceasefire. The parties set out the objectives of the agreement, technical procedures, timelines and the order of its implementation.
"The situation in Oleshky is critical. Oleshky is a frontline town on the brink of catastrophe. Those who remain in the town are mostly elderly people who urgently need medical assistance, medicines, food and clean water," Melania Trump said.
Melania Trump said that civilian representatives of both countries would visit Oleshky residents at home to determine what assistance they need. Those who wish to evacuate are promised transport to their chosen destination — to Ukraine or Russia.
She also said that an independent American media organisation would be involved in the process, accompanying the Russian and Ukrainian teams and documenting their work.
As noted in the statement, Melania Trump learned about the critical situation in Oleshky during a private conversation at the Fostering the Future Together event in New York, held as part of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
After that, the US First Lady used a communication channel with Russia and Ukraine that had previously been established during the return of 34 children from Russian occupation.
- Around 1,700 people remain trapped in the devastated town of Oleshky in Kherson Region, and Russia is trying to turn the settlement into a deadly trap.
- Ukraine has repeatedly called for safe evacuation and international humanitarian access. Russia ignored Ukraine’s calls.
- Read about what is happening in occupied Oleshky in LB.ua’s report "‘We will, of course, survive… or not.’ What is happening in occupied Oleshky".