OMM Newsroom
Russia welcomes US first lady Melania Trump’s efforts to coordinate a localized truce for humanitarian purposes in Oleshky, a Russian-controlled city in Ukraine’s Kherson region, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday, according to Anadolu Agency.
Speaking to reporters, Peskov said military officials were working to arrange the ceasefire to allow a humanitarian operation. “Those who wish to leave the town will be able to do so,” he said.
The operation requires extensive and complex preparations involving various parties, Peskov said, adding that Melania Trump was playing a coordinating role. He said the issue had been discussed during a recent telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Asked about the evacuation route, Peskov said the Defense Ministry would provide details if they were cleared for public release. He said he could not predict how long the operation would take, but expected it to last at least several days.
Asked about reports that the US leader had ordered the restoration of “Starlink” capabilities over Ukrainian territory, Peskov said military-to-military cooperation between the US and Ukraine had not been discontinued.
“There’s no need to look at things through rose-colored glasses,” he said, adding that Ukraine had never stopped attempting to strike targets inside Russia.
However, Peskov said this had not prevented 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,” he said.
Earlier, Melania Trump announced an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to establish a temporary ceasefire in Oleshky, in southern Ukraine, to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and facilitate the evacuation of civilians who wish to leave.
The localized ceasefire is 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.
