With Melania Trump's mediation: Russia and Ukraine agree to local ceasefire

Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement on a local and temporary ceasefire in the area of the city of Oleshky in southern Ukraine, mediated by the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump. The agreement, announced by the White House on Friday, is intended to allow the entry of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of civilians from the occupied city, which is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. This is a limited arrangement for the Kherson region, not a comprehensive ceasefire. Under the agreement, forces will temporarily cease fire to allow mine clearance, the entry of food and medicine, and the creation of a safe route for residents. The Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Army, Valery Gerasimov, announced that the ceasefire will begin on Tuesday, October 27, at 4:00 AM. The humanitarian operation is expected to start on Thursday, October 29. In Oleshky, an estimated 1,700 to 2,000 residents remain, mostly elderly, along with about 50 children, without electricity, heating, or running water. Melania Trump initiated the contacts after being exposed to the residents' plight at an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September. Pope Leo XIV was also involved in the contacts. The Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, warned that implementing the agreement will be complex. The Kremlin confirmed the agreement and thanked Melania Trump.