Melania Trump brokers Kherson ceasefire for aid mission

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 03:14 · Archive

Russia has halted strikes on Ukraine's Kherson province to allow a humanitarian mission led by US First Lady Melania Trump.

Russia suspended strikes on the Ukrainian province of Kherson from 01:00 GMT on Tuesday to allow a humanitarian mission into the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in southern Kherson. The ceasefire was brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump, with involvement from Pope Francis, as Washington seeks to revive peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv after more than four and a half years of fighting.

Oleshky lies on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in the partially occupied Kherson region, opposite Kherson city, which is held by Ukrainian forces. Russian troops seized the town during the February 2022 invasion and have controlled it since. The town, which had a pre-war population of 24,000 people, has suffered extensive war damage and was hit hard by flooding after the destruction of the nearby Kakhovka Dam in 2023.

Up to 2,000 people currently remain in Oleshky and have been unable to leave because of explosive mines and drone attacks in the area, according to the United Nations. The town is suffering acute shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies. Negotiators involved in the aid mission said doctors, medicines, food supplies and water would be taken to Oleshky before evacuation corridors are opened. The localised ceasefire is due to last through Saturday or longer.

How it is being reported

• Truce begins in wartorn Ukraine city after it was announced by Melania TrumpThe ceasefire is meant to allow aid deliveries and the evacuation of civilians.BBC News · 27 Oct, 02:58
• Russia halts strikes on Ukraine’s Kherson as Oleshky ceasefire takes effectThe localised ceasefire, secured by US First Lady Melania Trump, will allow evacuations and aid deliveries to Oleshky.Al Jazeera · 27 Oct, 02:29
• Why Melania Trump's ceasefire will be lifeline for besieged Ukrainians in Oleshky👉Listen to This Is Why on your podcast app👈Sky News World · 26 Oct, 16:34

In this story: Melania Trump · Pope Francis · Oleshky · Kherson · Ukraine · Russia · United States

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem