First Lady secures ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in Oleshky to allow for civilian evacuate, humanitarian aid

The White House announced Oct. 23 that First Lady Melania Trump has secured a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to allow for civilians to safely evacuate and receive humanitarian aid. 

The urgency of the circumstances in Oleshky — which has suffered from limited food access, as well as unstable power, water, and heating — came to Melania Trump’s attention during a private discussion at her event during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in late September, according to the White House. 

The first lady said that upon learning of the situation, she and her representative, who was not named in the statement, used the communication channels established with both countries during her previous reunification efforts for war-affected children. 

“Both nations promptly assigned teams to coordinate the complex mechanics involved, including demining. All parties have worked around the clock since that moment,” she said. 

Reuters reported Oct. 8 that the main route out of the city has landmines along it, posing a grave risk for residents seeking to travel out to get food and water. 

“The situation in Oleshky is dire,” Trump said. “Oleshky is a front-line war city on the brink of disaster.”

She said the remaining population in the city is mainly elderly persons who urgently need medical attention, food, and clean water. 

“The people of Oleshky have limited electricity, live amid mined roads, and endure regular military attacks,” she added. “It was abundantly clear that without my intervention, the possibility to bring humanitarian aid into the city and to evacuate the elderly would be impossible.”

The ceasefire will begin Oct. 29. 

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to temporarily cease all military action in the city to allow for humanitarian aid to be brought in and to prepare a civilian evacuation through a designated passageway, according to the White House. 

“Non-military, civilian leaders from both countries will work together to visit Oleshky residents in their homes and determine the level of assistance they require,” the first lady said. “Residents who wish to evacuate will receive coordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination. I anticipate some will want to go to Russia, and some to Ukraine.”

She said an impartial American media organization will accompany and document Russian and Ukrainian teams throughout the process. 

This month, Pope Leo has also drawn attention and concern to the situation in Oleshky, as Zeale News previously reported. While he was still in the hospital recovering from lung surgery, the Pontiff spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a ceasefire in Oleshky to allow for humanitarian aid and a voluntary, safe evacuation. Days later, Pope Leo spoke by telephone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about Oleshky, expressing hope for cooperation between both parties to allow for an evacuation, and for food and medical assistance to be delivered.