Russia, Ukraine agree to temporary ceasefire in Oleshky: White House

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary ceasefire in the Russian-controlled southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky starting Oct. 29 to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations, the White House announced Friday.

Photo taken on Nov. 23, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (File photo: Xinhua)

"Both nations agreed to temporarily stop all military action in Oleshky to allow for humanitarian aid to enter and to prepare a civilian evacuation through a designated safe passageway," said a statement issued by the Office of the First Lady Melania Trump.

The White House said the first lady initiated the discussions and worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leaders, alongside her representative, to negotiate the terms of the ceasefire.

"The situation in Oleshky is dire. Oleshky is a front-line war city on the brink of disaster. Oleshky's remaining population is comprised primarily of elderly residents who urgently need medical attention, medicine, food, and clean water," said Melania Trump in the statement.