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Reporter Laura Gozzi
US First Lady Melania Trump met with Russian and Ukrainian delegations at the White House on the 5th and called for a "more permanent" ceasefire in Ukraine. In Ukraine, a local humanitarian ceasefire was established in the southern Kherson region last week thanks to efforts by Melania Melania, the Pope and others.
During a six-day ceasefire, hundreds of residents from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oreshki, who faced starvation and constant shelling, denounced. Both the Russian and Ukrainian governments credited Melania with brokering the ceasefire.
Melania said, "The lives of innocent people must transcend the divisions caused by war. I hope that Oreshki will be a catalyst for greater peace."
Russia and Ukraine have held several formal peace talks mediated by the United States since last year, but no results have been achieved. The meeting at the White House on the 5th was an unusual occasion for high-level officials from both countries to meet face-to-face.
The meeting was attended by Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Rubinets, Russian human rights ombudsman Yana Lantratova, Ukrainian lawmaker David Arahamia, and special envoy of the Russian Presidential Palace (Kremlin) Kirill Dmitriev.
Melania's specific role in the ceasefire has not been made clear, but she is credited with having played an important role, and the presidents of Russia and Ukraine expressed their gratitude at the meeting.
During the ceasefire, Melania said, "we reviewed demining plans and aerial photography, assessed road conditions, and discussed evacuation routes, access to hospitals, vehicles, and medical resources."
"Last week, people in the areas near Oreshki and Kherson experienced life's small joys for the first time since 2022."
"They walked along familiar streets without fear of explosions."
Melania thanked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but made no mention of the war, which began in February 2022 when the Russian president launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This war has resulted in significant civilian casualties and millions of displaced persons.
Special envoy Dmitriev, a businessman and former peace negotiator, thanked Melania for "saving the lives of so many people and influencing their lives."
"Together, let's continue to provide humanitarian aid. That's what we can do," Dmitriev said, presenting Melania with a framed painting by an 11-year-old girl evacuated from Oreshki.
Dmitriev also praised Melania's efforts to reunite children separated from their families due to war. This includes children allegedly abducted by Russia from Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmaker Alahamia said the ceasefire in Oreshki was "the biggest détente since 2022." The lawmaker is the leader of Zelenskiy's party, Servant of the People, and is a member of Ukraine's negotiating team.
"We are creating momentum for both sides to learn how to actually maintain peace when it comes," Alhamia said. Acknowledging that the "political path" for negotiations to end the conflict is "complex," Ukraine called on Melania "to continue negotiations, find a new mandate and further de-escalate tensions."
At the end of the meeting, Melania left a letter to Dmitriev and Alakhamia, instructing them to hand-deliver it directly to their respective presidents.
The White House later said the first lady unveiled to guests two historical artifacts "personally selected as powerful symbols of peace."
One of the items was an 18th-century medicine chest that was removed when British troops set fire to the White House in 1812. "Once adversaries, the United States and Great Britain have finally forged a strong alliance," the White House said.
The second artifact was a cup presented to the French ambassador in 1899 in recognition of his efforts to end the Spanish-American War.
Until now, Melania has remained largely silent on foreign affairs. Neither Russia nor Ukraine have released details about the extent of Melania's involvement in coordinating the delicate ceasefire, the longest and most far-reaching ceasefire of the war.
Officials in Kherson Oblast told the BBC that work to evacuate Oreshki had been ongoing for almost a year.
However, the source added, ``At some point, other people became involved, apparently after most of the preparations had been made, and they started taking credit for the progress that had been made.''
The person acknowledged that it was difficult to determine exactly who played what role at what stage, but added: "Those who were directly involved in the negotiations for about a year were ultimately prohibited from speaking publicly about the matter."
After the White House meeting, President Zelenskiy said the successful ceasefire in Oreshkiy "proved something very simple: if Putin wants the fighting to stop, the fighting will stop."
"The same goes for our compatriots detained in Russia. If Putin wishes, they can return home."
A source close to US officials echoed similar sentiments, suggesting to the BBC that, despite superficial praise, "Putin is essentially the one who made the ceasefire possible, whether he likes it or not."
"This was done to get the ball to [President Trump] and to have some positive effect on [him] in the midterm elections."
Ukrainian political analyst Dmytro Levs told the BBC there was no change in Russia's position.
Revs said Russia was "under pressure from the US and complied...but it also confirmed Zelensky's words that Russia could quickly stop firing and even maintain a ceasefire if necessary."
Despite six days of peace on the front line in Kherson for the first time in years, Russian attacks continue in other parts of Ukraine.
A series of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine this week left scores of civilians dead and injured. On the second day alone, more than 40 people were killed in Russian military attacks on relief distribution centers in Zaporizhzhya Oblast. It is believed that many people are still buried under the rubble.
Additional coverage: Reporter Anastasia Levchenko (Kiu)
(English article Melania Trump calls for lasting Ukraine truce as she hosts Russian and Ukrainian officials)
