Ceasefire begins in Russian-held Ukrainian town to allow aid and evacuation

A temporary ceasefire has started in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region, NBC News reported.

The truce was brokered by first lady Melania Trump and aims to halt military action to allow humanitarian aid access and prepare civilian evacuation.

The White House said the agreement would stop fighting temporarily to facilitate these humanitarian efforts.

Both Ukrainian and Russian militaries confirmed the ceasefire began at 3 a.m. local time to conduct what they called a "humanitarian operation," though no end time for the truce was given.

This ceasefire comes after Ukrainian officials warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, and amid increased diplomatic pressure from President Donald Trump on Ukrainian and Russian leaders to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict that started in February 2022.