Melania Trump is set to host Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks at the White House in the hope an enduring peace can be secured between the two nations.
The First Lady, 56, has stepped up amid criticism around her husband following the Republicans' crushing night in the US midterm elections, which saw the Democratic Party take control of the House and the Senate.
First Lady's Independent Diplomatic Initiative
Speaking before the midterms, Mrs Trump's office said: "First Lady Melania Trump will personally bring representatives of Russia and Ukraine, two nations actively at war, together at the White House. This event represents an extraordinary moment in American history. Mrs Trump independently initiated engagement between the two warring nations and successfully secured a ceasefire in Oleshky and the surrounding Kherson region. This achievement marks an unprecedented diplomatic initiative by an American First Lady."
Ms Trump herself announced began a humanitarian mission after a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia came into effect last week. This allowed some 800 people to flee following years of bombardment in the Ukrainian-held city.
Humanitarian Efforts and Child Reunification
Since, mum-of-one Mrs Trump merged as a surprising figure attempting to broker peace in Eastern Europe. She sent a letter to Russian despot Vladimir Putin that pleaded with him to allow children kidnapped from Ukraine to be reunited with their families.
The ex-model later announced: "President Putin and I have had an open channel of communication." In the same message, she announced the reunification of eight children with their families with a total of 34 returning to their parents.
Contrasting Approaches with the President
Yet tensions have appeared to grow between her husband, 80, and Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky, 48, last week said being abandoned by the US is like being in the "Home Alone" movie as he warned against Washington pivoting towards Moscow.
Zelensky has also continued to approve drone strikes deep into Russian territory, showing few signs that the war will slow down.
And Mr Trump diplomatic efforts with Moscow contrast with those of his wife. He has appeared to be favourable to Vladimir Putin, international analysts have argued. Most recently, the US President bulldozed through legislation to import oil from Russia in a bid to alliviate spiking petrol prices affecting many Americans.
The world leader, who married his wife in 2005, has today criticised Republicans following the Democrats' success in the US midterm elections — while acknowledging his political opponents had done "a good job" in securing control of both chambers of Congress.
