First Lady Melania Trump has brokered a localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to help the predominantly elderly population of the Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
The White House announced Friday morning that the First Lady had persuaded both countries to 'temporarily stop all military action' to allow for safe passageway of civilians.
The ceasefire is expected to begin on October 29.
'The situation in Oleshky is dire. Oleshky is a front-line war city on the brink of disaster,' the First Lady said in a statement. 'Oleshky's remaining population is comprised primarily of elderly residents who urgently need medical attention, medicine, food, and clean water.'
'Residents who wish to evacuate will receive coordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination,' she continued. 'I anticipate some will want to go to Russia, and some to Ukraine.'
The First Lady's office said an 'impartial American media organization' would be traveling to Oleshky to document the process.
'This will play a significant role in ensuring that the wishes of each family are faithfully respected,' Melania Trump said.
The plight of the people of Oleshky came to the First Lady's attention while she was attending the United Nations General Assembly in September.
First Lady Melania Trump has brokered a small ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to help the predominantly elderly population of the Ukrainian city of Oleshky
A drone video shows a destroyed building in Oleshky, Ukraine, a city that was captured by Russian forces on the first day of Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine
The First Lady had traveled to New York to host a Fostering the Future Together event, her initiative that aims to empower and safeguard children from emerging technology.
Departing the White House Friday for a Florida rally, President Donald Trump gave some details about how the ceasefire came together.
The President said it came about due to 'her initiative. And they contacted both sides and both sides wanted to do it.'
He was also asked if the First Lady would join trilateral talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine.
'No, but that's not the worst idea I've ever heard,' the President commented. 'What she wants to do is save children. And that's her focus. Both sides are cooperating with her, so she's doing a very good job.'
Oleshky was captured by Russian forces on the first day of Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Since then, the city's resources have dwindled, with the Associated Press reporting that food and medical supplies have been scarce for months.
Residents lack electricity, heat and running water.
Ukrainians in Kyiv held a demonstration earlier this month asking for help in saving Oleshky, where civilians are facing dire conditions
Hundreds were killed when the Kakhovka Dam collapsed from an explosion in June 2023, which the AP determined was likely caused by the Russian military.
The White House estimated that about 90 percent of the city was flooded.
Melania Trump, who was born in Slovenia, has previously worked to reunify Ukrainian children with their parents who were taken by the Russians.
She notably wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin imploring him to think about the children amid the war - which has stretched nearly five years.
President Donald Trump hand delivered the First Lady's letter to Putin when they met last August in Anchorage, Alaska.
The First Lady's office said the localized ceasefire was set up using the preexisting channels used to help reunify the kids.
So far, she's been responsible for reuniting 34 children with their families.
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