At a Nov. 5 White House gathering, first lady Melania Trump asked Russian and Ukrainian representatives to put civilians’ suffering at the center of efforts to end the war, Reuters reported.
“We have chosen humanity over war,” Trump said. She added that she took part in planning the temporary ceasefire in Oleshky, including reviewing aerial imagery and considering road and hospital access. Reuters identified attendees as Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy; Ukrainian lawmaker David Arakhamia; and Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman.
Reuters said the gathering was held to mark a six-day ceasefire in Oleshky, a city under Russian control. The truce expired Nov. 1. The White House said the operation brought aid to Oleshky and allowed nearly 800 people to leave, as EconoTimes previously reported in its account of the evacuation and aid effort.
Donald Trump was absent. Reuters reported that in October he praised his wife’s role, telling reporters she “does better than our professionals.” It said the Nov. 5 gathering was the first time U.S. and Russian officials had met in person since the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Dmitriev’s earlier contact with the Trump administration included a 2025 White House meeting with special envoy Steve Witkoff. Reuters also noted that former President Joe Biden did not invite Russian officials to the White House. Reuters reported that Dmitriev was expected to meet with U.S. officials while in Washington, citing two people familiar with his plans.
Reuters said Democrats won control of Congress in the midterms and would take over in January. The incoming majority was expected to seek more aid for Ukraine and examine the administration’s approach to Russia, including a diesel deal with Russia and the easing of some sanctions on Moscow.
A meeting of U.S., Russian and Ukrainian officials is planned in Abu Dhabi for Nov. 10-11, Reuters reported.
