White House says Oleshky ceasefire secured for aid
SCMP · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The White House said US First Lady Melania Trump secured a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to enable humanitarian aid deliveries and the evacuation of civilians. The administration said the pause will begin on October 29, while the Kremlin publicly thanked her for helping organise the mission and Ukraine had not immediately confirmed the arrangement.
Key Points
- The White House announced on Friday that Melania Trump brokered a coming ceasefire in Oleshky, a war-damaged city under Russian occupation in Ukraine
- According to the White House statement cited by Xinhua, Russia and Ukraine agreed to temporarily stop all military action in the city from October 29
- The White House said Melania Trump initiated the discussions and worked with a representative directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership on the terms
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was grateful for her help, and said military officials were coordinating timing for the humanitarian mission
- Peskov said people wanting to leave Oleshky would be able to do so, but he did not say whether evacuees would go to Russian- or Ukrainian-held territory
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers following the Ukraine war, the immediate issue is whether a narrowly defined humanitarian pause can actually open safe passage for civilians after months of fighting. The arrangement also comes at a time of heightened tension between the Trump administration and Kyiv, which could affect how any broader diplomatic effort is received