Melania Trump brokers Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in Oleshky, enabling aid and evacuations

Melania Trump has brokered a local ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the war-ravaged city of Oleshky, the White House announced Friday, enabling humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations. The ceasefire is scheduled to begin Thursday. The First Lady initiated discussions and worked with a representative who engaged directly with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to establish the terms. Oleshky, occupied by Russian forces since February 2022, has no electricity, heating, or running water, with residents resorting to eating garden weeds amid severe food shortages. The city, described as "Hell on Earth," faces a worsening humanitarian crisis as winter approaches, with bodies piling up in morgues and residents risking mined roads to bury the dead. Ukraine has repeatedly called for local ceasefires to facilitate evacuations.