Melania Trump brokers Russia-Ukraine ceasefire

Melania Trump claims to have brokered a temporary truce between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian city of Oleshky, according to a White House announcement on Friday. The ceasefire is set to commence on October 29. Oleshky has been under Russian control since February 2022, with the local population facing severe shortages of food, electricity, and clean water. The first lady described the situation in Oleshky as "dire" and on "the brink of disaster".

The White House stated that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to cease all military activity in Oleshky temporarily, allowing humanitarian aid to enter and a civilian evacuation to take place through a designated safe corridor. "Oleshky's remaining population is primarily elderly residents who urgently require medical care, medication, food, and clean water," Ms Trump emphasized. "They endure limited electricity, reside on mined roads, and face regular military assaults."

Ms Trump acknowledged that without her intervention, delivering humanitarian aid to the city and evacuating the elderly would have been "impossible". Her statement aligns with President Trump's recent inclination towards supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine. He has frequently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for failing to reach a peace agreement and has waived sanctions to permit the import of Russian diesel to alleviate prices ahead of the November 3 midterms.

When asked about his wife's announcement, President Trump considered it "not the worst idea I've ever heard". He attributed the initiative to Melania Trump, who reportedly established communication channels with both sides and facilitated their agreement.

As of the latest data, Oleshky is home to 1,700 to 2,000 people, predominantly elderly residents and around 50 children, down from roughly 24,000 before the war. Approximately 90% of the city was submerged following the explosion of the Kakhovka Dam. Ms Trump and her spokesperson worked closely with Russian and Ukrainian authorities to determine the specifics of the local ceasefire.

The first lady stated that evacuees can choose their destination, either Russia or Ukraine. She expects some to opt for Russia while others will travel to Ukraine.