Melania Trump brokers Ukraine – Russia ceasefire in war torn city, White House claims

It comes in the one of the heaviest hit places in the war

In a statement from the US, it was announced that the US First Lady has "successfully secured" a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city which is a "front-line war city on the brink of disaster".

They say the ceasefire will come into force from 29 October.

It said: "Oleshky's remaining population is comprised primarily of elderly residents who urgently need medical attention, medicine, food, and clean water".

As part of the Kherson region, Oleshky was one of the first cities to be seized by Russia in the first days of their invasion in February 2022.

As per the BBC, the residents who are left there, many elderly, have resorted to eating garden weeds to survive.

The White House credited Melania Trump with working "directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to define the terms of the localised ceasefire".

She is quoted as saying: "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. I anticipate some will want to go to Russia, and some to Ukraine."

There was no mention of how long the ceasefire will last in the statement.