Russia, Ukraine agree to ceasefire to evacuate Oleshky residents

Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement to temporarily halt hostilities in order to enable safe evacuation of residents from Oleshky, a city located in the contested Kherson region of Ukraine. The White House revealed that U.S. First Lady Melania Trump played a key role in securing the deal. The ceasefire is set to commence on October 29.

Melania Trump indicated that evacuees will have the option to seek shelter in either Russia or Ukraine. Russian forces seized control of Oleshky at the outset of the ongoing full-scale conflict in 2022. By the latter part of 2026, the city's circumstances had deteriorated severely, leaving inhabitants without essential provisions such as food, electricity, adequate healthcare, and a secure means of escape.

European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno engaged in a hunger strike to bring worldwide attention to the plight of Oleshky's residents. Pope Leo XIV communicated with Russian President Vladimir Putin via telephone, urging him to cease hostilities so that humanitarian aid could reach the locals and facilitate their evacuation.

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