Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy awards Melania Trump national honour for role in brokering Oleshky truce

The decree on the Ukrainian presidential website acknowledged Trump's "significant personal contribution to humanitarian support for Ukraine, and for active human rights and charitable work." Last month, Trump announced a localized truce between Ukrainian and Russian forces allowing residents of Oleshky to leave after weeks of food and medicine shortages. She reported that nearly 800 people were evacuated during the truce.

Russia accused of exploiting truce

Ukraine this week accused Russia of taking advantage of the ceasefire to strengthen its military position in Oleshky, while the Kremlin claimed adjusting positions during a truce was "standard practice." The conflicting statements highlight ongoing tensions despite the humanitarian breakthrough.

Corruption probe leads to dismissals

Ukraine's security service announced the dismissal of two senior officials linked to an anti-corruption probe into bogus call centers. The SBU stated it was "providing full support" for the investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau. The agencies have a history of conflict, following revelations that led to Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko's resignation in September.

Zelenskyy seeks Madrid support

Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to Madrid to drum up fresh military support during a summit of Latin American leaders. "Our top priority is strengthening Ukraine's air defenses, protecting our people and expanding defense cooperation and production," he confirmed on social media, adding that "further support steps are being prepared." Meanwhile, Russian attacks triggered power and water outages across Kyiv and surrounding regions, with the death toll from a strike in southern Ukraine rising to 40.

International responses continue

The UK apologized to Ukrainian child refugees who were told to study Russian in English schools while announcing funding for a new GCSE in Ukrainian. Separately, Canada joined countries refusing to allow Russian hockey teams to compete in the world junior championship due to the war. A Ukrainian drone attack also killed three members of the same family, including a child, in Russia's border Belgorod region.