Melania Trump brokers a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire so elderly residents can escape occupied Oleshky, a city 'on the brink of disaster'

The truce is due to begin on 29 October. Both sides will halt all military action so aid can enter and civilians can leave through a safe passageway. Just 1,700 to 2,000 people remain in Oleshky, down from 24,000 before the war, including about 50 children. Melania Trump said that without her intervention, evacuating the elderly 'would be impossible', and she expects some to head for Russia and some for Ukraine.

Russian forces seized Oleshky on the first day of the 2022 invasion.

She used channels built while reuniting 34 Ukrainian children with their families.

Her office said an 'impartial American media organization' will film the evacuation.