Near Oleshky, Melania Trump helps secure temporary Russia-Ukraine ceasefire

Ceasefire announcement for Oleshky

Melania Trump’s office said Friday that the first lady, rather than President Trump or another senior official, had secured a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine for Oleshky. The city is under Russian occupation, and the stated purpose of the pause is humanitarian.

Russia and Ukraine have not responded publicly to her announcement. Trump had pledged to end the war on his first day back in office, but peace has not followed.

Residents face urgent needs

In a statement, Melania Trump described Oleshky as a front-line city nearing disaster. She said most people still living there are elderly and need medical care, medicine, food and clean water.

She also said electricity is limited, roads are mined and military attacks occur regularly. She argued that without her involvement, humanitarian deliveries and evacuations would not be possible.

Plans for assistance and evacuation

Melania Trump said civilian leaders from Russia and Ukraine would work together to visit residents at home and assess what help they need. People choosing to evacuate are to receive coordinated assistance and transport to a destination of their choice.

She said some residents may choose Russia, while others may go to Ukraine. Her office also said she had secured an American media organization to document the Russian and Ukrainian teams.

War tensions remain unresolved

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff also faced criticism after describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” following the release of American Stephen Hubbard.