On October 27 local time, US President Donald Trump's wife Melania announced on social media that the cease-fire agreement between Russia and Ukraine in Aleyski, Helsinki region took effect at 4 a.m. on that day, two days earlier than planned. The scope of the cease-fire has been expanded to areas outside Aleyski, to provide a safe passage for humanitarian relief convoys.
She also confirmed that General Valery Gerasimov of the Russian Armed Forces had confirmed this information.
Earlier that day, both the Russian Defense Ministry and senior Ukrainian officials confirmed that a ceasefire had been established in the Aleyski area to carry out humanitarian operations and to create conditions for the evacuation of civilians.
The White House issued a statement on the 23rd, stating that under the coordination of First Lady Melania Trump, Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement for a temporary ceasefire in the Aleyski region. Both Russia and Ukraine agreed to suspend all military operations in Aleyski to allow humanitarian supplies to reach the area, and to arrange for civilians to evacuate through designated safe passages. The ceasefire is scheduled to begin on October 29th.
The statement indicates that since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Aleishki has been in the frontline area. Most of the residents have left, and it is now estimated that there are still 1,700 to 2,000 people remaining in the area. Among them are mainly elderly people who cannot leave, along with about 50 children.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Ukraine has been shelling roads leading to the settlements and approaching routes every day for over two years, and has used drones extensively to destroy vehicles. The Ukrainian military also planted mines along the approaches using drones to prevent civilians from evacuating, as well as to block the delivery of food and medical supplies.
According to the Russian side, during just the week from the 19th, Aleysky and the main roads leading to the area were attacked 18 times by artillery and more than 120 times by drones. The Russian military has removed over 300 pieces of explosives and mines.
On the 26th, Russian President's Press Secretary Peskov stated that this humanitarian operation agreement could set a precedent for carrying out missions in other regions. The US has carried out direct, active, and coordinating interventions. Russia hopes that the Ukrainian side will fulfill all relevant agreements.
