Melania Trump calls for lasting peace in Ukraine after bringing together Russian and Ukrainian delegations

First Lady Melania Trump hosted representatives from Russia and Ukraine at the White House on Thursday for a diplomatic meeting following the ceasefire reached in Oleshky, in the Kherson region. According to the White House, the meeting marks an unprecedented event in American history, as it is the first time a first lady has personally brought together representatives from two countries at war to advance a diplomatic process.

The meeting brought together officials from both countries who participated in the efforts to establish the ceasefire in Oleshky, which allowed for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of nearly 800 people seeking safety.

During her remarks, Melania Trump emphasized the need to build on the understanding reached to move toward a more lasting solution. "Now, we must use the courage we brought to Oleshky to find common ground through a shared concern for the suffering of innocent people. Together, we can create something more enduring than a temporary ceasefire," she said.

The first lady also described Oleshky as "a spark in a world of darkness," capable of illuminating the best of humanity and paving the way toward lasting peace.

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Melania Trump announces she secured ceasefire in Ukrainian city

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Melania Trump's role in the negotiations

Melania Trump explained that she became aware of the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky in September and that, given the urgency of the situation, she instructed her representative, Marc Beckman, to establish contacts with Russia and Ukraine on her behalf.

According to her account, both countries agreed to her participation as exclusive intermediaries to negotiate a ceasefire in Oleshky and the surrounding area, in the Kherson region. The shared goal was to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and establish a safe route to evacuate civilians.

The first lady explained that she participated in the various planning phases of the operation. Among other matters, she reviewed demining plans, aerial imagery, and access routes, as well as addressing evacuation routes, access to hospitals, vehicles and medical resources.

She also noted that communications with Russian and Ukrainian authorities were extensive and that humanitarian, military, and government teams from both countries worked together to coordinate the operation.

Nearly 800 evacuees and delivery of humanitarian aid

Melania Trump noted that, during the ceasefire, residents of Oleshky and neighboring towns were able to experience brief relief from the effects of the war. As she explained, the truce allowed for the delivery of food, drinking water, and medicine, while nearly 800 people left their homes in search of safety and to reunite with their families.

The first lady also thanked four American journalists who traveled to the war-torn region to document the needs of its residents. In particular, she acknowledged Newsmax's coverage of the operation.

Among those present at the event were Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin; Yana Lantratova, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Russian Federation; David Arakhamia, head of the parliamentary faction of the Ukrainian Servant of the People party; and Dmytro Lubinets, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Ukrainian Parliament.