Melania Trump convenes Russian and Ukrainian envoys at White House
The first lady is hosting delegates from both nations following a recent localized ceasefire in the town of Oleshky.
By James Brooks ·
First Lady Melania Trump will host representatives from Russia and Ukraine at the White House on Thursday. The meeting will take place just weeks after a limited ceasefire in the town of Oleshky allowed for the evacuation of civilians. Her office described the gathering as a rare diplomatic initiative led by an American first lady.
The first lady’s office announced the event on Tuesday. It stated that she would personally bring together delegates from two nations that are currently at war. Trump is also scheduled to deliver remarks regarding the recent humanitarian efforts.
Trump announced on October 23 that she had secured a localized ceasefire. The goal was to facilitate the humane evacuation of elderly residents from Oleshky. The ceasefire began on October 27 and ended on Sunday. During that period, hundreds of people were evacuated from the town and returned to Ukraine.
Among those rescued was a man who had not seen his wife for 1,711 days. Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, described the situation in Oleshky as dire. He said residents were forced to eat grass and weeds due to a lack of medicine, clean water, and electricity.
Trump’s office said she acted as the exclusive intermediary between Ukrainian and Russian leadership. She used channels she had previously established while working to reunite children separated by the war. In a post on X, Trump called the mission a success. She noted that nearly 800 people were evacuated and critical aid was delivered to the region.
The first lady’s office indicated that the crisis in Oleshky first came to her attention during a private discussion. That conversation occurred at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump expressed hope that the recent events would serve as a foundation for lasting peace between the two nations.
Vatican sources previously reported that Pope Leo discussed the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The phone call took place earlier in October while the Pope was recovering from lung cancer surgery in the hospital. The Kremlin said Putin supported the Vatican’s intention to help alleviate the conditions in the town.
