Public meetings between Russian and Ukrainian representatives are rare, while efforts to end the war in Ukraine have effectively been at a standstill for many months.

One figure who has managed to bring the two warring sides together is Melania Trump, who brought representatives from both countries to the White House.

Donald Trump’s wife took part on Thursday, alongside representatives of the two countries, in a White House event marking the recent six-day ceasefire in the city of Oleshky.

The US First Lady played a mediating role in securing the ceasefire in the city, which is under Russian control.

Reuters notes that the event comes amid intensified efforts by US officials to secure an agreement that would bring an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. A trilateral meeting involving officials from the United States, Ukraine and Russia is scheduled to take place on 10–11 November in Abu Dhabi.

“We chose humanity over war,” Mrs Trump said during the event, adding that “we must build on the courage we demonstrated in Oleshky to find common ground through our shared concern for the suffering of innocent people. Together, we can build something more lasting than a temporary ceasefire”.

In her brief remarks, she said the ceasefire in Oleshky could not have been achieved “without President Putin and President Zelensky”. Their cooperation “sets a precedent for advancing peace throughout the region”.

Melania Trump also revealed that she had written letters to both presidents, which she handed over to the delegations.

Among those attending the event was Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev. He had visited the White House in 2025, when he met with Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Joe Biden had not invited any Russian officials to the White House.

Also in attendance were Ukrainian MP David Arakhamia and Dmytro Lubinets, the country’s Human Rights Commissioner.

For his part, Mr Arakhamia urged Melania Trump to continue her efforts to de-escalate and bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

From January, when the new Congress takes office, with Democrats holding the majority, they are expected to push for increased assistance to Ukraine. They are also expected to challenge several decisions by the Trump Republican administration, including the diesel agreement with Russia and the easing of certain sanctions.