Melania Trump Brokers Localized Ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine Melania Trump helped arrange a localized ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to allow humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations, the White House says. Melania Trump has brokered a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the city of Oleshky to allow humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations, the White House announced. The ceasefire is set to begin Thursday, October 27. The first lady said the situation in Oleshky is on the brink of disaster. The White House said Melania Trump initiated discussions and worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to define the terms. Ukraine's lead negotiator, human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, thanked her and said the deal would be extremely challenging to implement.He outlined the agreement: first a ceasefire, second humanitarian aid delivery, and third free civilian movement out of Oleshky. Russia's chief of the general staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, said Russian forces will cease fire on the Kherson axis starting at 4 a.m. Tuesday Moscow time for the humanitarian operation. Russian forces will also conduct engineering reconnaissance and ensure safe movement of the humanitarian convoy.Kremlin Thanks First LadyKremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is grateful to the first lady, and the effort was discussed during a call between Putin and Trump. Peskov said those who want to leave will be able to do so, but would not specify destinations or duration, saying only it would likely take several days. Oleshky sits on the Dnipro River about five miles behind the front lines.Once home to 24,000 residents, it was captured by Russian forces on the first day of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The city has about 2,000 residents left, mostly elderly and children who are reduced to eating grass. There is no electricity, heat, or running water. Roads are mined and dotted with burned-out cars, and drones buzz overhead.In June 2023, floodwaters from the Kakhovka Dam collapse inundated the city, killing hundreds. An AP investigation found the explosion was likely caused by the Russian military. Those remaining face death from hunger or disease as another harsh winter looms. Ukraine has repeatedly appealed for a local ceasefire to organize evacuations.International Law ObligationsRussia, as occupying power, is obligated by international law to ensure civilians have what they need to survive. Melania Trump said civilian leaders from Ukraine and Russia will visit Oleshky residents to determine assistance needs. Residents who wish to evacuate will receive coordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination. She anticipates some will want to go to Russia and some to Ukraine.An impartial American media organization will accompany and document the teams to ensure each family's wishes are respected. Pope Leo XIV also called Putin on October 16 and Zelensky three days later to urge a ceasefire, before Melania Trump announced the deal. The first lady thanked the pope for his support. Democrats accused her of stealing the pope's credit, but both Russia and Ukraine confirmed her role.Melania Trump has made helping children in conflict a signature issue, hosting a U.N. Security Council meeting and writing Putin to reunite families. She has helped reunite 34 Russian and Ukrainian children with their families. Speaking to The Post in West Palm Beach after early voting, Melania Trump teased a possible personal trip to Ukraine, saying We will see.President Trump Praises WifePresident Trump chimed in, It could happen. He praised her efforts, saying she does better than our professionals and got a ceasefire, adding it has to do with children and people, elderly people. He did not rule out sending her to join negotiations for a long-term ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not mention the Oleshky ceasefire during a remote appearance at the Hudson Institute.He noted that American Patriot missile interceptors were still on hold and Starshield and Starlink speed limits were still in place. He stressed the importance of U.S. involvement in diplomatic efforts to end the war, including a possible joint meeting with Trump and Putin. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Norway this week for talks with Zelensky before meeting Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia. The war began in February 2022.Satellite Internet RestrictionsKyiv has faced restrictions on the satellite internet system it relies on to knock down Russian attacks. Trump and other top U.S. officials have pushed Zelensky to make a deal to end the war.