US First Lady Melania Trump hosted Russian and Ukrainian officials at the White House on Thursday to mark a six-day ceasefire in Ukraine’s Russian-occupied village of Oleshky.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, attended the event and praised Melania Trump’s efforts to secure the humanitarian agreement.
According to the Associated Press, Dmitriev thanked the first lady for her “distinguished humanitarian role” and said Putin had personally issued instructions supporting the operation.
Ukrainian officials, including Davyd Arakhamia and human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, also attended the gathering but President Donald Trump was absent.
The ceasefire, agreed on October 23, allowed humanitarian aid to reach Oleshky and civilians to evacuate from the war-damaged community.
The temporary truce lasted from October 27 to November 1, marking the most significant pause in fighting since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Around 2,000 residents were believed to be in Oleshky when the agreement began.
Melania Trump said the operation helped evacuate more than 750 people.
Speaking at the event, she expressed hope that the temporary agreement could lead to lasting peace.
“What matters is not the modesty of this beginning but the determination to turn into something extraordinary,” she said.
