Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS Russia’s proposed delegation to Thursday’s White House gathering depended on travel logistics, as U.S. first lady Melania Trump was scheduled to discuss the Oleshky ceasefire.
The White House announced Nov. 3 that Trump would make remarks about the local ceasefire at 11 a.m. ET Thursday, Nov. 5. Its release left attendees unnamed and gave no indication that formal negotiations were planned.
Peskov said Russia expected Kirill Dmitriev, Russian Presidential Special Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, and ombudswoman Yana Lantratova to attend if arrangements allowed. He told TASS that some members of Lantratova’s traveling party had not received visas a few hours earlier.
Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets posted on Facebook that he was traveling to Washington. Interfax-Ukraine reported that his meetings would include Trump and that Davyd Arakhamia would lead Ukraine’s delegation.
The White House says Trump initiated engagement between the countries and helped secure the Oleshky ceasefire, which was intended to support aid deliveries and civilian departures. Ukraine’s ombudsman’s office said Oct. 30 it had prepared 25 buses offering 750 seats, along with ambulances for people with limited mobility.
A Nov. 2 decree by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Trump the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, citing humanitarian support for Ukraine and human rights and charitable work. EconoTimes previously reported officials’ differing dates for the Oleshky ceasefire.
Peskov also told TASS that trilateral talks involving Russia, the United States and Ukraine were scheduled in Abu Dhabi for Nov. 10–11.
