US brokered ceasefire takes effect in Russian occupied Oleshky

A localized ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky entered into force early on Tuesday. Euronews, rte.ie, and the Kyiv Post reported that the pause in fighting began at 3:00 am local time. Announcing the agreement last Friday, United States First Lady Melania Trump stated that civilian officials from both nations will visit residents in their homes to assess their needs, according to Euronews and rte.ie. [1][3][5]

Euronews reported that Melania Trump led discussions with civilian negotiators from Russia and Ukraine following a briefing by United Nations officials. The temporary pause is designed to allow an aid mission to enter the town later this week. The Guardian reported that Russia conducted strikes against Kyiv just hours before the truce went into effect in Oleshky. [1][2]

Oleshky is located on the left bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson Oblast of southern Ukraine. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Russian forces have occupied the city since February 2022. The localized truce was established to facilitate aid deliveries and civilian evacuations. [7][10]