US First Lady Melania Trump has urged renewed efforts to achieve lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting a humanitarian ceasefire in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian city of Oleshky as an example of what cooperation between the two sides can achieve.
Trump, alongside representatives from Russia and Ukraine at the White House, said on Thursday that a six-day ceasefire in Oleshky, in Ukraine's southern Kherson region, demonstrated the importance of putting civilian lives above political and military divisions.
The temporary truce was brokered to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations, providing relief to residents affected by the war.
"The lives of innocent people must transcend the division of war. I hope Oleshky inspires greater peace," said Trump.
‘Symbol of hope’
She described the agreement as a small but significant beginning, urging both sides to build on the humanitarian cooperation achieved in Oleshky.
"Every significant transformation begins with a small spark. What matters is not the modesty of this beginning, but the determination to turn into something extraordinary," she said.
"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."
Trump urged the international community to view Oleshky as a symbol of hope amid the devastation of war.
"Let us see Oleshky as a spark in a world of darkness, capable of illuminating the best in humanity," she said.
She also acknowledged the roles of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in making the arrangement possible, saying their cooperation offered a meaningful precedent for advancing peace in the region.
Dmitriev thanks Trump
Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy to Putin, thanked the first lady for her humanitarian involvement, describing her role as crucial in coordinating the operation.
"On behalf of President Putin, on behalf of the people of the Russian Federation, we would like to thank First Lady Melania Trump for her distinguished humanitarian role in resolving the Oleshky situation and resolving this humanitarian issue," said Dmitriev.
He said Trump played a key leadership role in coordinating humanitarian assistance, reuniting Russian and Ukrainian families and ensuring agreements translated into practical action.
"Many residents of Oleshky decided to stay and received humanitarian help. Some decided to relocate, and it is very important that humanitarian deliveries will continue," he added.
Ukraine welcomes initiative
David Arakhamia, parliamentary leader of Ukraine's ruling Servant of the People faction, also welcomed the initiative and encouraged Trump to continue her humanitarian efforts.
"This is a really, really big, big, big moment. And definitely, we would like to ask you to keep going and to find new missions and to de-escalate as much as possible," he said.
In recognition of her humanitarian contributions to Ukraine, Zelenskyy awarded Trump the Order of Princess Olga, First Class.
