Melania Trump calls for peace at meeting with Russia, Ukraine officials
US First Lady Melania Trump has urged Russia and Ukraine to build on a recent local ceasefire and seek a more 'enduring' peace, hosting officials from both countries at the White House.
The event marked what the White House described as "the first time in American history that a First Lady has personally brought representatives of two nations at war to the White House for diplomacy." Attendees included Russian officials Kirill Dmitriev and Yana Lantratova, and Ukrainian representatives David Arakhamia and Dmytro Lubinets.
Humanitarian Truce
Mrs. Trump emphasized the six-day truce in Oleshky, which allowed aid deliveries and evacuation of nearly 800 people from the Russian-occupied city. This was the longest multi-day ceasefire since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Diplomatic Mediation
The White House credited Melania Trump with mediating the truce, though Pope Leo XIV also pressed both sides for aid access. The Ukrainian representatives presented her with the Order of Princess Olga, first class, awarded by President Zelenskyy.
The truce expired last Sunday without extension, just before a Russian bombing in Komyshuvakha killed at least 40 people. New US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine are expected in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11.
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