First lady Melania Trump held a meeting on Thursday between representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the White House.
Melania Trump negotiated a temporary humanitarian ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the city of Oleshky in October.
The ceasefire agreement followed months of warnings from Ukrainian officials about a humanitarian catastrophe building in the frontline town. The White House said that the ceasefire would "temporarily stop all military action in Oleshky to allow for humanitarian aid to enter and to prepare a civilian evacuation through a designated safe passageway."
In a statement, the White House said that it was believed to be the first time in U.S. history that a first lady personally brought representatives of warring nations together to the White House for a diplomatic meeting.
In remarks at the meeting, Melania Trump said that the ceasefire wouldn't have been possible without Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
She said that her role in the ceasefire was as an exclusive intermediary, and she said she was involved in every stage of planning for the ceasefire. She reviewed documentation, including aerial images, evacuation routes, and hospital access.
"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. Let us see Oleshky as a spark in a world of darkness, capable of illuminating the best in humanity. Build a powerful flame of peace, visible to the world. Ignite hope, foster cooperation, and brighten a path toward lasting peace," Melania Trump said.
The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook
Links
Source link
