Oleshky ceasefire takes effect in Ukraine following Melania Trump announcement

A humanitarian ceasefire has taken effect in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in southern Ukraine, following a deal announced a week earlier by US First Lady Melania Trump. The temporary halt in fighting is intended to facilitate emergency aid shipments and permit civilian evacuations from the besieged area.

Russia's defence ministry stated via Telegram that it ceased strikes directed at the Ukrainian-held city of Kherson, situated just across the Dnipro River, early in the morning to prepare for humanitarian efforts. The river serves as the active front line across the Kherson region, leaving Oleshky trapped in the middle.

Dmytro Lubinets, the human rights commissioner for the Ukrainian parliament, verified on social media that the pause in fighting had commenced. As leader of Kyiv's negotiation delegation, Lubinets stated that Ukrainian forces are adhering to their agreed obligations.

Russian troops captured Oleshky at the outset of Moscow's full-scale assault in February 2022. Positioned between Russian positions to the east and Ukrainian forces across the river, the remaining population has faced extreme shortages of essential provisions, including food and medicine.

Prior to the invasion, Oleshky had an estimated population of 24,000. Ukrainian officials now assess that roughly 6,000 residents still live in the city and adjacent communities, among them around 200 children.

The White House revealed the arrangement last week, identifying Melania Trump as the key figure who brokered the local agreement. In a public statement, she explained that civilian representatives from both sides would collaborate to assess the humanitarian needs of residents directly in their homes.

The diplomatic effort represents a significant step into international humanitarian affairs for the US First Lady, who has generally maintained a more reserved public presence than many of her predecessors. Her engagement on the conflict previously included sending a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in August 2025, calling on him to safeguard children and future generations.