Russia, Ukraine agree to US-brokered, 1 city ceasefire

US First Lady Melania Trump brokers ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in occupied city of Oleshky

The full report

US First Lady Melania Trump has successfully secured a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, according to the White House. The truce, which will begin on October 29, aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the city and allow residents to evacuate. DW News reports that the city has been under blockade since 2025 and has a population of around 2,000 people, down from 24,000 prior to the war. The city is located in southern Ukraine, just 9 kilometers from the major city of Kherson.

The ceasefire deal in Oleshky comes as US, Ukrainian, and Russian negotiators are expected to meet in Abu Dhabi next month to discuss ending the war. According to BBC News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said negotiators would meet in the first half of November, and as early as possible, to discuss a wider ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, also confirmed preparations for a three-way meeting in mid-November.

The White House statement said Melania Trump and one of her representatives had worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to define the terms of the localised ceasefire. "Non-military, civilian leaders from both countries will work together to visit Oleshky residents in their homes and determine the level of assistance they require," Melania Trump said. Residents who wish to evacuate will receive co-ordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination, she added.

Russia also confirmed the agreement and said it will halt fire earlier than what the White House announced at 0400 local time (0100 GMT) on October 27. According to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, residents in Oleshky say Russian occupying forces prevented them from leaving the city. Oleshky residents also say Russia has used civilians to shield military positions in the city — a war crime under international humanitarian law.