US claims Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in Olesjky; experts doubt Russia's commitment

The White House announced Friday that First Lady Melania Trump has secured a limited ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, confined to the frontline city of Olesjky in the Kherson region, set to take effect on October 29. Russia's defense chief Valerij Gerasimov pledged Friday evening to uphold the agreement, according to Russian media. The city, occupied by Russia since 2022, faces a critical situation for its roughly 6,000 remaining residents, who lack food, water, electricity, and medicine. Caritas Norway's Ingrid Rosendorf Joys described an "impossible situation" where residents either stay without supplies or risk drone attacks while fleeing, calling for a safe humanitarian corridor. Military expert Palle Ydstebø expressed skepticism, noting Russia's poor track record with ceasefires and saying he will believe it only when it is operational and respected by both parties. Joys added that Ukraine would likely honor the deal to help its citizens, though uncertainty remains about Russian compliance.