A multi-day ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian city of Oleshky has ended with no violations reported by either side.
The truce, announced by US First Lady Melania Trump to facilitate humanitarian relief deliveries and civilian evacuations, took effect on Tuesday and was subsequently expanded beyond Oleshky in the southern Kherson region to ensure safe passage for humanitarian convoys.
Trump stated that the ceasefire provided residents with freedom of movement, clean water, food, and essential medicine, as well as "a renewed sense of dignity without the constant threat of attack."
Writing on the X platform, she declared: "Let Oleshky become the starting point for lasting peace."
Longest truce since 2022
The humanitarian mission in Oleshky concluded on Friday, with Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova emphasising that both armed forces fully honoured the localised cessation of hostilities.
Lantratova suggested making missions coordinated by the US first lady a permanent mechanism, noting that cooperation with Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Lubinets proved such frameworks could assist civilians "even under difficult conditions."
On Saturday, Lubinets commended the adherence to the accord, stating: "This is the longest ceasefire observed by both sides since 2022."
The joint operation followed extensive demining operations along designated transit routes, permitting humanitarian convoys to reach the central district hospital whilst residents evacuated before afternoon relief distribution commenced.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha separately affirmed that the Oleshky mission could serve as a valuable confidence-building measure and establish groundwork for subsequent diplomatic milestones, underscoring that Kiev had "acted in good faith and kept its word."
