Russia reports talks with Melania Trump's team over Oleshky

Russian authorities are spreading information about the possible involvement of US First Lady Melania Trump's team in providing support to residents of Oleshky in the Kherson region. According to data presented in Moscow, complex negotiations are currently underway aimed at organising the transport of humanitarian cargo, as well as the evacuation of individuals requiring urgent assistance.

Statements by Russian officials

This was reported by the Russian human rights ombudsman, Yana Lantratova. She emphasised that the process of coordinating these actions is extremely complex.

«Зараз тривають складні переговори щодо організації доставки гуманітарних вантажів та евакуації людей, які потребують термінової допомоги» (Complex negotiations are currently ongoing regarding the organisation of the delivery of humanitarian cargo and the evacuation of people who require urgent assistance), the ombudsman stated.

During her speech, Lantratova also repeated previously voiced Russian accusations against Ukraine. According to her, the Ukrainian side is allegedly blocking the settlement, which hinders the supply of food and drinking water.

A similar thesis was confirmed by Iryna Kravchenko, the "children's ombudsman" of the Kherson region appointed by the occupation administration. She claims that the evacuation of children from Oleshky is allegedly impossible due to constant attacks by Ukrainian drones.

Kyiv's position and assessment of the situation

The Ukrainian side firmly denies these claims. Kyiv maintains that the Russian army bears responsibility for complicating the evacuation of the civilian population and the lack of basic needs. According to Ukraine's official position, it is the occupiers who are hindering the removal of people and failing to provide them with necessary food and medicines.

It should be noted that the statements made by the parties contradict each other. At the time of the information's release, reports about the readiness of Melania Trump's team to join the aid effort for Oleshky residents have not been confirmed by independent sources.