Ceasefire brokered by Melania Trump takes effect in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine town

A localized ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia took effect on Tuesday after first lady Melania Trump announced last week she secured a temporary humanitarian agreement for the border city of Oleshky. 

The Russian-occupied town is located in southern Ukraine, and residents have faced shortages in food and medicine amid the ongoing war.

The pause in hostilities began at 3 a.m. local time and is set to last through Saturday to allow for a humanitarian mission to be carried out, according to authorities on both sides of the conflict.

Around 2,000 people are reportedly trapped in the city, including a large elderly population, because of explosive mines and drone attacks in the region.

The first lady characterized Oleshky as a “front-line war city on the brink of disaster” in a press release announcing the ceasefire agreement Friday. 

“The people of Oleshky have limited electricity, live amid mined roads, and endure regular military........

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