First Lady Hosts Russian and Ukrainian Officials for Ceasefire Recognition
The meeting marks a six-day pause in fighting in Oleshky, paving the way for humanitarian aid and upcoming peace talks.
By Jonathan Ramirez ·
The White House hosted a formal meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials on Wednesday. The gathering recognized a six-day ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in southeastern Ukraine. First Lady Melania Trump presided over the event, which served to acknowledge the temporary halt in combat.
The pause in fighting allowed humanitarian aid to reach the city. It also enabled the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The agreement was brokered by the First Lady, a diplomatic step that President Trump had not previously achieved in this conflict.
"We have chosen humanity over war," the First Lady said during the ceremony. "Undeniably, the lives of innocent people must transcend the divisions of war. I hope Oleshky inspires greater peace."
The timeline of this diplomatic effort began with the administration's push to end the war. The ceasefire expired on Sunday, but the recognition event solidified the recent progress. Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for Russian President Vladimir Putin, attended the meeting. He stated that Putin personally ordered the ceasefire to be 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 in resolving a key situation and resolving this humanitarian issue," Dmitriev said.
Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets presented the First Lady with the Order of Princess Olha, 1st Class. This is Ukraine's highest award for women, given for her humanitarian work. Lubinets asked her to continue supporting the people of Ukraine.
The White House is preparing for the next steps in the diplomatic process. The United States will lead a new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi next week. President Trump met with Dmitriev separately and told reporters that a final deal is close.
"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."
