In brief
A truce has started in the Russian‑occupied city of Oleshky after US First Lady Melania Trump announced a ceasefire, allowing aid deliveries and evacuation of residents. The halt was confirmed by Ukrainian officials and acknowledged by the White House, which credited Trump with brokering the agreement. Oleshky, once home to 24,000 people, now hosts about 6,000 including 200 children, caught between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The ceasefire provides a welcome respite amid ongoing conflict and highlights the growing role of U.S. civilian leaders in humanitarian mediation.
By Sareen Habeshian
Published: Oct 27, 2026
A truce has begun in Oleshky, a Russian‑occupied Ukrainian city, a week after US First Lady Melania Trump announced a ceasefire. The pause is intended to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and the evacuation of civilians trapped between Ukrainian positions across the Dnipro River and Russian forces to the east.
Russia’s defence ministry confirmed on Telegram that it had stopped firing at Kherson – across the river from Oleshky – at 04:00 Moscow time to prepare for the humanitarian operation. Ukrainian officials, including parliament commissioner for human rights Dmytro Lubinets, confirmed the ceasefire on social media, noting Ukraine’s commitment to honour its side of the agreement.
Oleshky’s residents, who once numbered 24,000 before the war, now number about 6,000, including 200 children, with limited access to food and essential supplies. The white house acknowledgment of Trump’s role highlights the growing involvement of civilian US leaders in addressing humanitarian issues stemming from the Russia‑Ukraine war.
This ceasefire offers a temporary reprieve for Oleshky’s residents and illustrates the complex dynamics of the wider conflict.
