Melania Trump secures localized Russia-Ukraine ceasefire for humanitarian aid: White House

By Chang Dong-woo

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has secured an agreement between Russia and Ukraine for a temporary ceasefire in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky to allow the provision of humanitarian assistance, the White House said Friday.

The localized ceasefire is scheduled to begin Oct. 29, with both countries agreeing to suspend military operations in the city to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian supplies and establish a safe passageway for residents seeking evacuation, according to a statement from the Office of the First Lady.

"The situation in Oleshky is dire. Oleshky is a front-line war city on the brink of disaster," Melania Trump said in the statement, citing urgent shortages of medical supplies, food, clean water and electricity.

The White House said the first lady and her representative worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to negotiate the terms of the agreement, including the timing, procedures and implementation, with Melania Trump serving as an "Exclusive Intermediary."

Under the arrangement, civilian representatives from both countries are expected to visit residents to assess their humanitarian needs and coordinate transportation for those wishing to evacuate, including to destinations in either Russia or Ukraine.

The first lady also said she had secured the participation of an impartial American media organization, without naming the outlet, to document the humanitarian operation and help ensure that residents' preferences are respected.

Oleshky, located across the Dnipro River from Kherson, had a pre-war population of approximately 24,000, according to the office. Today, an estimated 1,700-2,000 residents remain, primarily elderly people, along with around 50 children.