U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has mediated a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine around the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast, aiming to facilitate civilian evacuations and humanitarian aid deliveries, the White House said on Thursday.

The ceasefire is scheduled to take effect on Oct. 29, according to a White House press release issued on Oct. 23, as concerns grow over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the city, which has also drawn international attention, including from Pope Leo XIV.

The White House said Melania Trump initiated discussions with both sides and helped coordinate the agreement’s objectives, technical procedures, timing and terms in her capacity as an “Exclusive Intermediary.”

“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,” Melania Trump was quoted as saying.

Residents wishing to leave the city will receive coordinated assistance and transportation to their chosen destinations, she said, adding that some may wish to travel to Russia while others may prefer Ukraine.

The agreement also предусматривает a visit by an “impartial American media organization” to document the activities of both sides in the area, according to the statement.

David Arakhamiia, head of the parliamentary faction of Ukraine’s ruling Servant of the People party and an associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky, said the process of unblocking Oleshky and its surrounding areas would begin soon.

“A ceasefire will be achieved in the near future, as announced by the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump,” Arakhamiia wrote on Telegram.

He described the agreement as the outcome of a lengthy process involving participants at various political levels and highlighted the roles played by Pope Leo XIV and the U.S. first lady.

Russian authorities had not publicly commented on the reported ceasefire at the time of publication.

Oleshky lies across the Dnipro River from the city of Kherson and has faced severe restrictions on access to humanitarian assistance amid the ongoing war.

According to reports cited by the Kyiv Independent, Russian forces have prevented aid from reaching the city, while civilians attempting to flee along its limited access routes face the threat of drone attacks.

The planned ceasefire comes amid concerns that an agreement on paper may not translate into safe evacuations on the ground. Previous localized and temporary ceasefires announced during the war have faced significant difficulties in implementation and enforcement.

Stefan Vorontsov, a volunteer coordinator with the NGO Humanity, which assists civilians fleeing occupied territories, expressed concern that the proposed operation could face provocations, pressure and disagreements over evacuation routes.

He also warned that some civilians might be unwilling to travel through Russia, complicating efforts to provide safe passage.

Vorontsov said he hoped the initiative could establish a precedent for an official evacuation operation from occupied territory, potentially paving the way for similar efforts elsewhere.

A woman from Oleshky, who spoke to the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity for security reasons, voiced skepticism about the announcement, saying residents had been abandoned and questioning whether evacuation vehicles could reach the city.

She said the roads were mined and would need to be cleared before buses could safely enter, highlighting the practical obstacles facing any evacuation effort.

The reported initiative comes amid strained relations between Kyiv and Washington over the Trump administration’s approach to Russia and its support for Ukraine.

The administration has faced criticism over decisions affecting sanctions on Russia and energy-related measures, while concerns have also persisted over restrictions affecting Ukraine’s use of Starlink satellite communications in drone operations.

On Oct. 13, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an “energy ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine, although subsequent reports raised questions about whether such an arrangement had been implemented in practice.

The planned Oct. 29 ceasefire around Oleshky will therefore face close scrutiny, particularly over whether both sides adhere to the agreement and whether civilians can safely receive aid or leave the occupied city.

Despite the diplomatic announcement, the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on security conditions on the ground, access to mined roads and the ability of humanitarian and civilian teams to reach residents without exposing them to further danger. (ILKHA)