US announces ceasefire in Russia-occupied Ukraine city ‘on brink of disaster’

The White House says US First Lady Melania Trump has secured a local ceasefire in Russian-occupied Oleshky, intended to allow humanitarian aid and evacuations. The announcement describes the city as facing a possible disaster, but neither Russia nor Ukraine had publicly commented on the truce.

The ceasefire is due to begin on 29 October, with no end date specified. Oleshky has lacked gas and electricity since 2023, and residents face shortages of food, water and medical care amid shelling and mined roads. Ukraine estimates about 6,000 people remain in the city and surrounding area, including 200 children, compared with a pre-invasion population of 24,000.