Melania Trump brokers local ceasefire in Kherson

Ukraine and Russia have entered a temporary ceasefire in the area surrounding the town of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast. The silence regime began at 3:00 a.m. Kyiv time on October 27, 2026. This pause in fighting is designed to facilitate a humanitarian operation in the temporarily occupied territory.

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, announced the start of the truce on Telegram. He stated that the parties are adhering to agreements reached by the heads of the negotiating teams. Lubinets specifically named Yana Lantratova, Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner, as the Russian counterpart in these discussions. The White House previously reported that US First Lady Melania Trump secured the truce to address a developing humanitarian crisis in the town.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the arrangement separately. A ministry statement said the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation ceased fire on the Kherson front from 4:00 a.m. Moscow time on October 27. The ministry described the measure as a preparation step for a humanitarian operation near the settlement of Oleshky. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier verified that Russia agreed to the ceasefire to allow the mission to take place.

Lubinets emphasized that the ceasefire is tied directly to the humanitarian work being carried out by Ukraine and Lantratova. He noted that the coordination and mediation for this effort involve Melania Trump. The Ukrainian and Russian General Staffs had previously indicated that a truce would hold in a designated area from the night of October 27 to support the operation.

The humanitarian mission is scheduled to occur in Oleshky on October 29, 2026. Lubinets confirmed that the ceasefire would remain in effect during that date. He added that he would continue to update the public on the situation. His priority, according to his statement, is ensuring the safety of civilians in Oleshky and maintaining compliance with the agreed terms.