First lady brokers 'localized" ceasefire between Russia, Ukraine

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(The Center Square) – First Lady Melania Trump says she has brokered a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky to allow for “civilian evacuation” and humanitarian aid to flow.

The ceasefire is set to begin Oct. 29 in the Russian-occupied city and began taking shape during a “private discussion” at a Fostering the Future Together event during the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.

The first lady described the situation in the Ukrainian city as “dire” in a release from her office Friday. She noted the dwindling population, saying it is mostly elderly and those in need of medical assistance.

“Oleshky is a front-line war city on the brink of disaster. Oleshky’s remaining population is comprised primarily of elderly residents who urgently need medical attention, medicine, food and clean water,” according to the first lady. “The people of Oleshky have limited electricity, live amid mined roads, and endure regular military attacks. 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 first lady’s office says Oleshky’s population was around 24,000 before the war, but has dropped to an estimated 1,700-2000 residents, including approximately 50 children.

Melania Trump’s office said the first lady and her representative “worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership” to agree on the terms of the ceasefire.

“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. 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,” the first lady stated.

Since her husband took office last year, the first lady has been credited with reuniting 34 children between Russia and Ukraine.

The announcement comes on the heels of President Donald Trump securing the release of American Stephen Hubbard, who was imprisoned in Russia since 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.

The president recently announced his administration was easing some sanctions on Russia, which the president has defended by saying they are part of peace negotiating as he continues to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.