First Lady Melania Trump brokered a temporary six-day ceasefire in Ukraine, bringing delegates from Russia and Ukraine together at the White House to allow vital supplies to reach the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky.
During the event, Melania delivered a message of hope, calling for both sides to prioritise innocent lives over the divisions of war. She urged leaders to turn initial progress into lasting peace, saying: 'Together, we can create something more enduring than a temporary ceasefire.'
Russian Envoy Praises First Lady
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev referred to Russia's invasion as a 'Ukrainian crisis' while praising Melania's role. He said: 'On behalf of President Putin, on behalf of people of the Russian Federation, we would like to thank First Lady Melania Trump for her distinguished humanitarian role in resolving the Oleshky situation and resolving this humanitarian issue.'
Dmitriev added: 'She played a crucial leadership role in coordinating humanitarian operations in Oleshky and reunifying Russian and Ukrainian families, in ensuring that agreements become actions, and actions save lives.'
Personal Letters and Hopes for Peace
Melania also wrote personal letters to Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, handing them to senior officials from both countries for 'safe delivery'. She declined to answer any questions.
In her speech, she detailed the horrors of war, telling reporters: 'Imagine a young child confined to her home, unable to dream of her future, because she lives in constant fear. We were not born to spend our lives hiding in terror, watching the sky for drones and missiles, or scanning the grounds for mines.'
She asked: 'What benefit is there when the lives of innocents are lost forever?' and added: 'We are alive to love, create, explore, and love. Let Oleshky be the modest spark that grows into a lasting flame of peace.'
Dmitriev's visit comes ahead of planned talks between US, Russian and Ukrainian officials in Abu Dhabi on November 10, where American negotiators are expected to push for progress towards ending the war in Ukraine, which is approaching its fifth year.
