Melania Trump calls for peace at meeting with Russia, Ukraine officials

United States First Lady Melania Trump has urged Russia and Ukraine to build on a recent localised ceasefire and seek a more “enduring” peace, as she hosted officials from both countries at the White House. Those attending included Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin; Yana Lantratova, Russia’s human rights commissioner; David Arakhamia, leader of the Servant of the People party in Ukraine’s parliament; and Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s parliamentary human rights commissioner.

“Together, we can create something more enduring than a temporary ceasefire,” Mrs. Trump said, urging both sides to see the humanitarian truce in Oleshky “as a spark in a world of darkness”.

She said her role as “exclusive intermediary” was set out in written agreements signed by both countries, and that she was involved in every stage of the planning, including reviewing de-mining plans and evacuation routes. Ukrainian representatives presented the US first lady with the Order of Princess Olga, first class, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded her earlier this week.