Melania Trump secures one-city ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine for humanitarian aid
By Kit Maher, Anna Chernova, Kosta Gak, CNN
(CNN) — First lady Melania Trump announced on Friday that she helped secure a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the city of Oleshky to facilitate the humane evacuation of elderly residents.
Trump worked directly with Ukrainian and Russian leadership as the “exclusive intermediary” and initiated discussions to secure the terms of the ceasefire agreement, which begins on October 29, according to a press release from the first lady’s office.
“Oleshky is a front-line war city on the brink of disaster. Oleshky’s remaining population is comprised primarily of elderly residents who urgently need medical attention, medicine, food, and clean water,” Trump said in a statement. “The people of Oleshky have limited electricity, live amid mined roads, and endure regular military attacks. It was abundantly clear that without my intervention, the possibility to bring humanitarian aid into the city and to evacuate the elderly would be impossible.”
“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,” she added.
Both Russian and Ukrainian officials on Friday confirmed the limited ceasefire. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov credited Melania Trump for her “significant contribution.” He said Russian leader Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump discussed the topic in a recent call, as CNN has previously reported.
“The military is working to coordinate a ceasefire in that area to facilitate this humanitarian mission. Those who wish to leave the settlement will be able to do so. Naturally, this requires extensive and complex preparation, involving a wide range of different representatives,” Peskov said.
Peskov declined to provide specifics on the evacuation routes or how long the ceasefire would last, only saying the operation would “certainly take at least a few days.”
Davyd Arakhamia, a member of the Ukrainian parliament and part of the negotiations, said he would “like to highlight the roles played by the Pope and U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.”
“An operation to lift the blockade of the town of Oleshky and its surrounding areas will begin shortly. Its goal is to establish permanent humanitarian corridors for the safe evacuation of civilians and the delivery of aid,” his statement said.
“To achieve this goal, a ceasefire will be established in the near future, as announced by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump,” he continued.
President Trump praised his wife’s efforts on Friday, saying “they contacted both sides, and both sides wanted to do it.” He said that her focus remains on helping the children impacted by the war.
“What she wants to do is save children,” Trump said. “That’s her focus. Both sides are cooperating with her, so doing a very good job.”
Asked if she would be part of potential trilateral talks with Russia and Ukraine, Trump said: “No, but that’s not the worst idea I’ve ever heard.”
The first lady’s office said that the circumstances of Oleshky came to her attention during a private discussion at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Communication lines were already opened, given Trump has been involved with the reunification of children that have been separated from their families due to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Melania Trump added that she “secured an impartial American media organization to accompany and document Russian and Ukrainian teams on the ground throughout the process.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
The-CNN-Wire
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