Russia-Ukraine ceasefire takes effect in Oleshky in deal brokered by Melania Trump

A localised ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine took effect to facilitate a humanitarian aid mission to occupied Oleshky, led by US First Lady Melania Trump. Up to 2,000 people remain stranded amid shortages of food, medicine and security threats

Mykolaiv: A localised ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia took effect early Tuesday ahead of a humanitarian mission led by US first lady Melania Trump.

The pause in fighting started at 3 am in Ukraine to allow an aid mission into the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine later this week.

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According to her office, Melania Trump led talks with civilian negotiators from Russia and Ukraine after meeting with United Nations officials who briefed her on the situation in the town.

The aid mission is planned ahead of a new round of US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine expected next month and aimed at ending the war after more than 4½ years of fighting.

Up to 2,000 people are stranded in Oleshky with dwindling supplies of food and medicine. They have been unable to leave because of explosive mines and drone attacks in the area, according to the UN.