Monday 02 / November / 2026
Washington DC: United States First Lady Melania Trump on Sunday commended Russia and Ukraine for their cooperation during the humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky, saying the five-day arrangement successfully facilitated the delivery of critical aid and evacuation of nearly 800 people from the conflict-affected region.
In a post on X, Melania announced that the ceasefire, which began on October 27, concluded on November 1 as planned.
“THE CEASEFIRE CONCLUDES. The mission was a success, delivering critical aid to the region and enabling the evacuation of nearly 800 people. On behalf of America, I commend Russia and Ukraine for their leadership and cooperation surrounding the Oleshky ceasefire. I hope Oleshky serves as a foundation for lasting peace between both nations. The ceasefire began on October 27, 2026, and concluded on November 1, 2026, as planned,” she wrote.
Earlier in the day, Melania described the humanitarian arrangement as an opportunity for residents in Oleshky and the surrounding Kherson region to access essential supplies, including food, clean water and medicines, while moving without the constant threat of attacks.
The localised ceasefire agreement was negotiated between Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets and Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova, with mediation from the US First Lady.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had expressed gratitude to Melania for her mediation efforts, confirming that roads leading to Oleshky were cleared of mines during the ceasefire and humanitarian assistance was delivered.
Zelenskyy also said people requiring evacuation had been transported out of the city and surrounding communities, with Ukrainian citizens subsequently crossing into Ukraine through the Chernihiv region.
Meanwhile, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Russian President Vladimir Putin had never refused to speak with Zelenskyy.
“I think he would answer, of course. Putin has never refused to talk,” Ushakov said, according to TASS, adding that Zelenskyy was free to travel to Moscow if he genuinely wanted negotiations.
Ukraine reports cyberattack on air raid alert system
Ukraine and Russia have reported cyberattacks targeting their respective emergency alert systems, with fake warnings about chemical and radiation threats circulated across Ukraine and false public safety information distributed through a Russian government mobile application amid the continuing war between the two countries.
According to Fox News, Ukraine’s air raid alert system was hacked, sending warnings of alleged chemical and radiation threats to mobile phones across the country. The loudspeaker alert system was also compromised, broadcasting similar messages across the streets of Kyiv.
Ukraine’s Air Force said the incident appeared to involve external interference, while reassuring residents that there was no radiation threat.
“Attention. The Air Alert app has likely been compromised,” the Air Force said on Telegram, adding that, “There is no radiation threat! Stay calm and follow our updates on our channel!”
However, Ukraine’s Ministry for Digital Transformation later said in a post on X that the nationwide alert system was functioning normally.
“The nationwide alert system is operating in normal mode. All threat signals are transmitted to regional administrations and, accordingly, to street alert systems,” the ministry said.
-ANI
