Russia Confirms Oleshky Ceasefire, Discusses Withdrawal with Ukraine

Russia confirmed a US-mediated local ceasefire agreement for the city of Oleshky, which it controls, and said Russian and Ukrainian forces are working to set implementation dates. The White House earlier announced the ceasefire, reportedly secured by First Lady Melania Trump, would begin on October 29. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said all civilians wishing to leave Oleshky will be permitted to do so, with the evacuation operation expected to take at least several days. He praised Melania Trump's role in securing the deal, noting it was discussed in a recent call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Peskov welcomed the first lady's efforts, saying she made a significant contribution to coordinating the humanitarian operation. The ceasefire follows ongoing diplomatic contacts between Moscow and Washington regarding the conflict in Ukraine.