First lady Melania Trump and representatives from Russia and Ukraine appeared together at the White House on Thursday, describing the ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Oleshky region as a possible “spark” for lasting peace rather than a brief pause in fighting.
“We have chosen humanity over war,” the first lady said during a White House trilateral news conference involving the two countries at war. “The lives of innocent people must rise above the divisions created by war. I hope Oleshky inspires broader peace. Every meaningful transformation begins with a small spark.”
“Together, we can build something more lasting than a temporary ceasefire,” she added, describing Oleshky as “a spark in a world of darkness capable of illuminating the best in humanity.”
Trump said she learned of the humanitarian crisis in the region in September and instructed her representative, Marc Beckman, to begin discussions with Russia and Ukraine. She said both nations agreed to work with her as an “exclusive intermediary” to secure a ceasefire in Oleshky and the surrounding Kherson region, deliver humanitarian assistance and establish a safe evacuation corridor for civilians.
Her comments were followed by remarks from Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who said Russian President Vladimir Putin valued President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the fighting.
David Arakhamia, leader of Ukraine’s Servant of the People political party, sits beside Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev during first lady Melania Trump’s remarks on the Oleshky ceasefire at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 5, 2026. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
“President Putin also recognizes President Trump’s peacemaking efforts and the work of his team on a plan to resolve the Ukrainian crisis,” Dmitriev said in a rare appearance by a Russian diplomat at the White House. “President Trump asked President Putin to support several initiatives involving prisoner exchanges, the release of U.S. prisoners and humanitarian efforts. President Putin supported those ideas and initiatives.”
“Cooperation among Russia, Ukraine and the United States is important not only for our three nations, but for the entire world,” he continued. “Let us continue making meaningful humanitarian contributions and work together to build a future of peace, partnership and prosperity for our families, our children and future generations.”
First lady Melania Trump, left, and civilians evacuated from Oleshky, Ukraine, in October 2022 during the early stages of the Russia-Ukraine war. (Umit Bektas/Reuters; Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters)
“Dear Melania, you have saved and touched so many lives,” he concluded.
EXPLORE MORE: Stocks Slide as Investors Flee Tech Shares Over AI Risk Fears
David Arakhamia, leader of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s political party, described Melania Trump’s ceasefire as the “biggest de-escalation since 2022,” when the war began.
“Madam first lady, I would like to thank you. You did an amazing job,” he said. “When you and your team began this effort, about 5% of people believed it would succeed, while 95% were skeptical and said it would not work. Now that it has happened, those figures have completely reversed: 95% believe we can accomplish things like this, while 5% remain skeptical.”
He added that peace was now a question of when, rather than whether, it would come.
Signature page from the Oleshky ceasefire agreement. (Provided to News Outlet)
Evacuating frightened Ukrainians from the Russian-controlled city represents an important step in shaping the path to peace and determining the long-term future of the occupied territory in southern Ukraine.
“On the first day, people in the area did not believe it was happening,” Arakhamia said. “They remained in their homes, waiting to see whether the clock was moving backward. The next day, they began walking around their homes. The day after that, they came out to see their damaged houses and recover their belongings.”
“It is deeply emotional to watch and oversee this process and understand what we are doing,” he added. “I believe we are building momentum as both sides learn the practical details of maintaining peace when peace arrives.”
“I would also like to sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this.”
Dmitriev attended the event and met with U.S. officials, sources told Reuters. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, also took part.
