Melania Trump hosts Russia and Ukraine over Oleshky ceasefire
The first lady brokered a six-day pause in fighting that allowed aid to reach the occupied city and helped evacuate hundreds of residents.
By Dominic Foster ·
First lady Melania Trump facilitated a temporary ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, a move that brought Russian and Ukrainian officials together at the White House. The six-day pause allowed humanitarian aid to reach the region and enabled the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The agreement expired on Sunday.
Melania Trump described the effort as a choice for humanity over war. "Undeniably, the lives of innocent people must transcend the divisions of war," she said. "I hope Oleshky inspires greater peace." The White House characterized the meeting as a diplomatic breakthrough, noting that it was rare for representatives from both sides to acknowledge the human costs of the conflict in such a setting.
Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for Russian President Vladimir Putin, thanked the first lady for her role in the arrangement. He stated that Putin personally issued instructions to ensure the ceasefire was implemented successfully. "On behalf of President Putin, on behalf of the people of the Russian Federation, we would like to thank first lady Melania Trump for her distinguished humanitarian role," Dmitriev said.
Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian human rights ombudsman, presented Melania Trump with the Order of Princess Olha, 1st Class. This is Ukraine's highest award for women. Lubinets asked the first lady to continue her support for the Ukrainian people.
President Donald Trump also met with Dmitriev at the White House. He told reporters that a larger deal was imminent. "It's going to be an agreement. It's going to be a big agreement, and it's going to involve more than Ukraine," Trump said. "I could even say it might involve all of Europe. It's going to be a big, beautiful agreement, and everyone's going to be thrilled."
Some European analysts expressed concern that the ceremony could normalize Russia's actions in the war. Heather Conley, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former State Department official, argued that the event honored Russian officials who occupied and starved Oleshky. "The more we create this equivalency where the Russians and the Ukrainians are equal in this crisis, it is putting this thing upside down," Conley said.
The White House event occurred days before the United States is set to lead a new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi next week.
