Melania Trump Hosts Russian and Ukrainian Envoys for Oleshky Ceasefire Recognition
The six-day humanitarian pause in southeastern Ukraine expired Sunday, days before U.S.-led peace talks begin in Abu Dhabi.
By Dominic Foster ·
First lady Melania Trump hosted Russian and Ukrainian officials at the White House on Thursday to mark a temporary ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky.
The six-day pause allowed humanitarian aid to reach the city and enabled the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The ceasefire expired on Sunday, November 1.
During the ceremony, Trump said, "We have chosen humanity over war." She added, "Undeniably, the lives of innocent people must transcend the divisions of war. I hope Oleshky inspires greater peace."
Kirill Dmitriev, the special envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, thanked the first lady on behalf of Putin and the Russian Federation. He stated that Putin personally issued instructions to ensure the successful implementation of the truce. Dmitriev described Melania Trump's role as a distinguished humanitarian effort to resolve the crisis.
Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets presented Trump with the Order of Princess Olha, 1st Class. This is Ukraine's highest award for women, given in recognition of her humanitarian work. Lubinets asked Trump to "continue doing your wonderful work and support people" on behalf of the Ukrainian nation.
President Trump met with Dmitriev separately at the White House. He told reporters that the two sides were close to reaching a comprehensive deal. "It's going to be an agreement. It's going to be a big agreement, and it's going to involve more than Ukraine," he 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."
Heather Conley, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who worked on European issues for President George W. Bush, expressed caution regarding the diplomatic display. She argued that the ceremony honored the side responsible for the occupation and starvation of Oleshky. Conley warned that creating an equivalency between Russia and Ukraine in this crisis risks putting the situation upside down.
The White House views the event as a diplomatic step forward. The meeting takes place days before the United States leads a new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi next week.
