KHERSON REGION, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked U.S. First Lady Melania Trump for mediating a ceasefire in the temporarily occupied city of Oleshky, calling it the first such agreement Russia has made.
Zelensky said the arrangement, discussed in an interview with American journalist Tony Perkins, opens the possibility for continued humanitarian coordination. A Ukrainian delegation, together with American partners, recently visited Oleshky to deliver medical equipment and humanitarian aid and to evacuate people from the city to Ukrainian-controlled territory. The team has since returned to territory under Ukrainian control.
The Ukrainian leader reaffirmed his country's position on a broader ceasefire, stating that Kyiv has supported an unconditional ceasefire proposal from the United States and President Donald Trump since early 2025. Despite multiple previous attempts, including energy and maritime ceasefires, Russia had never accepted such terms until the Melania Trump initiative.
Zelensky expressed hope the initiative can continue, saying that if further signals come from America, it would be "absolutely great" and Ukraine would support it. The Oleshky ceasefire, while limited in scope, may represent a significant development in a conflict where ceasefire agreements have repeatedly foundered.
