A week after Melania Trump announced it, truce begins in Ukrainian city of Oleshky
Ceasefire and aid preparations
Russia’s defence ministry said on Telegram that it had stopped firing toward Kherson at 04:00 Moscow time, or 01:00 GMT. Kherson lies across the river from Oleshky, and the pause was described as preparation for a humanitarian operation.
Residents and humanitarian needs
Oleshky was captured by Russia during the opening days of its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Before the war, the city had 24,000 residents. Ukraine estimates that around 6,000 people remain in the city and surrounding areas, including 200 children. A press release said non-military civilian leaders from both countries would visit residents at home and assess what assistance they need.
Trump’s earlier appeal
In August 2025, Melania Trump wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. She urged him that it was “time to protect children and future generations worldwide,” according to the account of the letter.
Key points
- The truce began in Russian-occupied Oleshky, across the river from Kherson.
- Russia said it stopped firing toward Kherson at 04:00 Moscow time for humanitarian preparations.
- Ukraine estimates about 6,000 people, including 200 children, remain in Oleshky and nearby areas.
- Civilian leaders from both countries are expected to assess residents’ needs.