Kyiv: A temporary, localised ceasefire between Ukrainian and Russian forces came into effect early Tuesday ahead of a humanitarian relief mission led by US First Lady Melania Trump.

The cessation of hostilities commenced at 3:00 a.m. Ukrainian time to facilitate an aid operation destined for the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine later in the week.

According to her office, Melania Trump spearheaded discussions with civilian mediators from both nations following briefings with United Nations officials regarding conditions within the settlement.

The humanitarian initiative precedes an upcoming round of U.S.-mediated negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv scheduled for next month, which seek to resolve the conflict after more than four and a half years of warfare.

The United Nations estimates that up to 2,000 residents remain trapped in Oleshky, facing severe shortages of provisions and medical supplies, unable to evacuate due to widespread landmines and drone strikes across the sector.

The temporary truce is scheduled to hold through Saturday, though it could be extended despite profound mistrust between the warring parties that has previously derailed prior ceasefire agreements.

Oleshky is situated within the partially occupied Kherson region, approximately 550 kilometres (340 miles) southeast of Kyiv, where the Dnipro River demarcates the frontline between Russian and Ukrainian positions.

The town was seized by Russian troops on the opening day of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Further devastation struck the area in June 2023 when floodwaters inundated the locality following the catastrophic collapse of a nearby dam.

Oleshky lies directly across the Dnipro River from Kherson, the regional administrative capital. While Russian forces captured Kherson during the initial phase of the 2022 offensive, they subsequently retreated across the waterway several months later.

Organisers coordinating the humanitarian effort stated that medical personnel, pharmaceuticals, food rations, and drinking water will be delivered to Oleshky ahead of establishing formal evacuation corridors.

AP