Russia-Ukraine war: Melania Trump brokers localised ceasefire in Oleshky; all you need to know about the starving city

First Lady Melania Trump reportedly brokered a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, enabling humanitarian aid to reach Oleshky, a Russian-occupied Ukrainian city on the brink of disaster. The ceasefire, set to begin next week, aims to allow the evacuation of civilians from the war-torn town situated along the Dnipro River from Kherson, a city Russia seized in early 2022 before withdrawing later that year.

Oleshky, with constant drone activity, widespread mines, and damaged infrastructure, faces some of the harshest conditions in Ukraine. Melania's involvement came after she learned about the dire situation at an event during the United Nations General Assembly, where she initiated talks with the leaders of both countries. The White House confirmed the ceasefire, emphasizing Melania's direct line to Ukrainian and Russian leadership, with her adviser noting she has been working tirelessly for over a month to secure the deal.

The humanitarian operation, including a possible meeting with Putin, remains uncertain as tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy, and Trump and Putin, continue to escalate.