UPDATE 2 - Russia, Ukraine confirm Oleshky temporary truce announced by Melania Trump

UPDATES WITH UKRAINIAN GENERAL STAFF STATEMENT; LEDE CHANGES

By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russia and Ukraine on Friday confirmed a temporary ceasefire in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky in Ukraine’s Kherson region, which was announced by US first lady Melania Trump.

Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov said Russia would cease fire in the Oleshky area at 4 am Moscow time on Oct. 27 to facilitate a humanitarian operation.

“To ensure the safety of people and the delivery of essential goods, engineering reconnaissance will be conducted, and the safe movement of a humanitarian convoy to the settlement of Oleshky in the Kherson Region will be facilitated,” the Gerasimov said, according to the Defense Ministry.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, said military officials were working to arrange the truce to facilitate the operation, welcoming Melania Trump’s efforts to coordinate a localized ceasefire for humanitarian purposes.

“Those who wish to leave the town will be able to do so,” he said.

He said the operation requires extensive and complex preparations involving various parties, with Melania Trump playing a coordinating role.

Peskov said the issue was discussed in a recent telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US his counterpart Donald Trump.

Asked about the evacuation route, he said details would be provided by the Defense Ministry if they were cleared for public release.

Peskov said he could not predict how long the operation would take, but could last at least several days.

On reports that the US leader had ordered the restoration of Starlink and Starshield capabilities over Ukrainian territory, Peskov said military-to-military cooperation between the Washington and Kyiv had not been discontinued.

“There’s no need to look at things through rose-colored glasses,” he said, adding that Ukraine never stopped attempting to strike targets inside Russia.

However, he added, this did not prevent Moscow and Washington from coordinating on the humanitarian operation and reaching agreements on “complex details.”

“We are, of course, grateful to the American side, to the first lady, Mrs. Trump, and to Mr. Trump himself, President Trump, for their significant involvement in addressing humanitarian issues,” the spokesman said.

- Ukraine confirms localized ceasfire

Ukraine’s Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets also confirmed the announced truce, saying the agreement provides for a ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Oleshky and the safe passage of civilians wishing to leave the city.

“The whole world now knows about Oleshky,” he said in a video address on Telegram, describing the operation as extremely complex and that it would be carried out in stages.

Ukraine’s General Staff said Ukraine would implement the ceasefire in Oleshky at 3 am Kyiv time on Oct. 27 to facilitate the initiative.

“The Defense Forces of Ukraine are doing everything possible to assist the residents of Oleshky and will spare no effort to ensure the safety of our fellow citizens and bring them to safety,” it said on Telegram

Ukrainian units have repeatedly used drones to deliver humanitarian supplies to residents of Oleshky and nearby villages, the statement said, adding: “We expect that humanitarian access for the sake of the people in Oleshky will be guaranteed.”

Earlier, Melania Trump announced an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to establish a temporary ceasefire in Oleshky to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and facilitate the evacuation of civilians who wish to leave.

The localized ceasefire was scheduled to begin on Oct. 29, according to the White House.

Under the proposed arrangement, civilian representatives from Russia and Ukraine will visit residents in their homes to assess their needs and determine what assistance is required. Residents who choose to leave will receive coordinated transportation to their preferred destinations, including locations in either Russia or Ukraine.