WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary ceasefire in the Russian-controlled southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky starting Oct. 29 to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations, the White House announced Friday.
"Both nations agreed to temporarily stop all military action in Oleshky to allow for humanitarian aid to enter and to prepare a civilian evacuation through a designated safe passageway," said a statement issued by the Office of the First Lady Melania Trump.
The White House said the first lady initiated the discussions and worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leaders, alongside her representative, to negotiate the terms of the ceasefire.
"The situation in Oleshky is dire. Oleshky is a front-line war city on the brink of disaster. Oleshky's remaining population is comprised primarily of elderly residents who urgently need medical attention, medicine, food, and clean water," said Melania Trump in the statement.
"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. Residents who wish to evacuate will receive coordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination," she said.
Oleshky, located across the Dnipro River from the city of Kherson, which remains under Ukrainian control, has been held by Russian forces since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Residents have reported worsening shortages of food and other essential supplies amid continued fighting.
The announcement comes amid renewed U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. Following talks with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in principle to resume trilateral talks with Ukraine in November, according to the Kremlin.
Neither the Russian nor the Ukrainian government has publicly confirmed the ceasefire agreement as of Friday, according to media reports. ■
