Oleshky evacuees return to Ukraine after Melania Trump-brokered ceasefire
Residents of the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky have been returned to Ukraine following a humanitarian ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump, with evacuees arriving Saturday and tearfully reuniting with loved ones. The evacuees traveled a circuitous route through Crimea, Russia, and Belarus before crossing into Ukraine's Chernihiv region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed their arrival and thanked Trump for her mediation, while residents described dire conditions including starvation and forced consumption of grass and dogs. The truce, which took effect October 27 and expires Sunday night, allowed for mine clearance and aid delivery. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it an isolated case, while analysts noted both sides sought to court Donald Trump amid broader peace negotiations.