Melania Trump Hosts Russian and Ukrainian Officials at White House
The First Lady meets key figures from both sides ahead of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, following a recent localized ceasefire in the Kherson region.
By Ethan Cooper ·
US First Lady Melania Trump is set to host officials from both warring nations at the White House on Thursday, November 5. The meeting will occur just days before a scheduled summit in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have negotiated together since February.
Russian adviser Kirill Dmitriev and human rights ombudsman Yana Lantratova are expected to represent Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state news agency TASS that their attendance depended on logistical arrangements. On the Ukrainian side, human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets confirmed his travel plans to Washington. He posted on social media on Wednesday, inviting the public to suggest messages for him to convey to the First Lady.
Trump’s office previously announced that she would personally convene the representatives. She is scheduled to speak at 11 a.m. local time on Thursday. This gathering serves as a precursor to the more formal diplomatic talks planned for the coming week in the United Arab Emirates.
The timing follows a specific humanitarian achievement by the First Lady. Last month, she announced a localized truce in Oleshky, a town in the Russian-occupied Kherson region. Both military forces observed the pause, allowing roads to be cleared of mines and enabling civilians to evacuate. Residents had faced weeks of shortages in food and medicine before the agreement took effect.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recognized this effort by awarding Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, on Wednesday. The citation highlighted her humanitarian support and charitable activity. Her office stated that she independently initiated the ceasefire efforts. This role has also included broader attempts to bring Ukrainian children back from Russia.
Zelensky told reporters he had held detailed discussions with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner before the Abu Dhabi negotiations. The talks lasted an hour and a half. While the diplomatic push has raised hopes for peace, some observers worry that closer ties between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin could shift Washington's stance on Kyiv.
