Melania Trump successfully mediates a ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshki to facilitate its evacuation

The first lady of the United States, Melania Trump, has successfully negotiated a provisional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Ukrainian city of Oleshki, in the south of the country, to "allow the entry of humanitarian aid and prepare for an evacuation of civilians through a designated safe corridor" starting next October 29, as announced by the White House.

Russian-occupied Oleshki has become one of the symbols of the devastation and famine caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and armed conflict. Tens of thousands of people survive there with virtually no food, electricity or medicine.

The first lady and her representative have worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to define the terms of the localized ceasefire, including technical procedures, deadlines, processes and terms of the agreement, in her role as intermediary.

Non-military civilian leaders from both countries will collaborate to visit city residents in their homes and determine the level of assistance they need. "Those who wish to evacuate will receive coordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination. I anticipate that some will want to go to Russia and others to Ukraine," explained the first lady.

The entire operation will be documented by an "impartial American media organization to accompany and document the work of the Russian and Ukrainian teams on the ground throughout the process."

The Human Rights Commissioner of the Ukrainian Parliament, Dmitro Lubinets, warned that the city is going through an extreme situation. "People are not only suffering from the lack of food and medicine: they are dying," he warned in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.