Truce begins in Ukrainian city of Oleshky after it was announced by Melania Trump
BBC • • nation
Key Points:
- A ceasefire has begun in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to facilitate aid deliveries and civilian evacuations, announced a week earlier by US First Lady Melania Trump.
- Russia's defense ministry confirmed it stopped firing toward Kherson, located across the Dnipro River from Oleshky, to prepare for the humanitarian operation.
- Oleshky, seized by Russia early in the 2022 invasion, has seen severe shortages of food and supplies, with the population reduced from 24,000 to an estimated 6,000 residents, including 200 children.
- Ukraine's human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, confirmed that Ukraine is honoring the ceasefire commitments, while civilian leaders from both countries plan to assess the needs of Oleshky residents.
- Melania Trump, despite a relatively low profile, has taken an active role in addressing humanitarian issues related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, helping to secure the ceasefire.
