Zelensky decorates Melania Trump with the Order of Princess Olga for her role in mediating the Oleshky crisis

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Zelensky awards the Order of Princess Olga to Melania Trump for mediating the Oleshky ceasefire

Marc Beckman, adviser to the First Lady of the United States, was also decorated with the Golden Heart, a distinction awarded to volunteers, for managing diplomatic efforts related to the ceasefire. ^[2]

The decoration ceremony was accompanied by an event at the White House, convened by Melania Trump with representatives from Russia and Ukraine to mark the success of the agreement. Commissioner for Human Rights of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, traveled to Washington to participate, alongside his Russian counterpart, Yana Lantratova. ^[2]

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Zelensky decorates Melania Trump with the Order of Princess Olga for her role in mediating the Oleshky crisis

The ceasefire agreement regarding the evacuation of civilians from Oleshky was agreed upon by Moscow and Kyiv for a period of six days, in the Kherson region, last week. ^[4]

The Order of Princess Olga, First Class, awarded by the decree of November 2, is a state distinction of Ukraine that is conferred exclusively to women. ^[4]

The decree highlights Melania Trump’s humanitarian support for Ukraine, including her activities on behalf of Ukrainian children and adults affected by the Russian invasion. ^[4]

The First Lady’s adviser, Marc Beckman, received the “Golden Heart” distinction, awarded by the Ukrainian state to many volunteers during the war, for managing diplomatic efforts related to the ceasefire. ^[4]

The ceremony at the White House, convened by Melania Trump, will include representatives of Russia and Ukraine. Commissioner for Human Rights of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, is traveling to Washington to participate. ^[4]

From Russia, Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova will participate, who represented Moscow during the negotiation and implementation of the Oleshky ceasefire. ^[4]

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Zelensky decorates Melania Trump for mediating the Oleshky ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded First Lady of the United States Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, for her role as mediator in concluding a six-day humanitarian ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, in the Kherson region. The ceasefire, agreed upon last week, aimed to evacuate civilians from the village of Oleshky, on the front line of the Kherson region. The distinction was awarded through a decree signed by Zelensky on November 2 and made public Wednesday by the Ukrainian presidency. The decree highlights the humanitarian support provided by Melania Trump to Ukraine and her involvement in helping children and adults affected by the Russian invasion. Separately, Zelensky decorated Marc Beckman, adviser to the First Lady of the United States, for his contribution to negotiating and implementing the Oleshky ceasefire. Beckman, who personally coordinated efforts on behalf of Melania Trump, received the “Golden Heart” distinction, awarded by the Ukrainian state to other volunteers involved in supporting the population during the war. ^[5]

Melania Trump scheduled a ceremony at the White House for Thursday, where “representatives of Russia and Ukraine” are expected, to mark the success of the Oleshky ceasefire. Ukrainian Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, announced Wednesday that he is traveling to Washington to participate in the event. From Russia, Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova is expected to attend, having represented Moscow in the negotiations and implementation of the ceasefire. ^[5]

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Zelensky decorates Melania Trump with the Order of Princess Olga for her role in mediating the Oleshky crisis

The Order of Princess Olga (First Class) was awarded to First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, by a presidential decree issued on November 2, 2026, for outstanding merits and her personal contribution to humanitarian assistance provided to Ukraine, as well as to a diplomatic rescue initiative in Oleshky. ^[3]

Melania Trump contributed to negotiating a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in Oleshky, effective from October 29, which aimed to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of vulnerable civilians affected by resource shortages. ^[3]

The city of Oleshky in the Kherson region faced a severe humanitarian crisis, being isolated on the front line. Infrastructure was destroyed by bombardments and floods in 2023 caused by the destruction of the Nova Kova dam, leaving the population without access to water, electricity, or food. ^[3]

Road food deliveries stopped completely due to mines and Russian attacks. Witnesses reported that residents survived by consuming weeds, wild birds, or animal feed. ^[3]

Before the ceasefire, the city had no gas, medicine, and almost no drinking water. Russian administrative aid was conditioned on accepting Russian citizenship, and the Ukrainian army sporadically delivered survival packages with the help of drones. ^[3]

Before the evacuation facilitated by the ceasefire, approximately 2,000 people remained in Oleshky, and 6,000 inhabitants lived in the entire region. Before the outbreak of war, the city's population was approximately 25,000 people. ^[3]

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Zelensky decorates Melania Trump with the Order of Princess Olga for her role in mediating the Oleshky ceasefire

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, decorated First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, for her role as mediator in the humanitarian ceasefire at Oleshky. The presidential decree signed by the Ukrainian president also mentions Melania Trump’s humanitarian support for Ukraine and her work in assisting Ukrainian children and adults affected by the Russian invasion. The humanitarian ceasefire agreement, valid for six days, was agreed upon by Moscow and Kyiv on the front line in the Kherson region to evacuate civilians from the village of Oleshky. The ceasefire entered into force on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. For her intervention in securing this ceasefire, President Zelensky awarded Mrs. Trump the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, a state distinction of Ukraine that is awarded exclusively to women. The presidential decree highlights Melania Trump’s humanitarian support for Ukraine and her activities in supporting Ukrainian children and adults affected by the Russian invasion. Separately, President Zelensky signed a decree decorating Marc Beckman, adviser to the First Lady of the United States, for his activity in realizing and implementing the Oleshky ceasefire. Beckman, who personally managed all proceedings on behalf of Melania Trump, receives the Golden Heart, a decoration that the Ukrainian state has awarded to many volunteers during this war. The First Lady of the United States has convened a ceremony at the White House for Thursday with “representatives of Russia and Ukraine” to celebrate the success of the Oleshky ceasefire. Commissioner for Human Rights of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, announced Wednesday that he is en route to Washington to participate in the ceremony. From Russia, Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova is expected to participate, having represented Moscow during the negotiation and implementation of the ceasefire. ^[6]

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Zelensky decorates Melania Trump with the Order of Princess Olga for her role in mediating the Oleshky crisis

The digital article brings out details of the decoration ceremony and participants. The White House ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, will bring together officials from both sides. Ukrainian Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, is en route to Washington to mark the success of the ceasefire. From Russia, Yana Lantratova will participate, who negotiated and monitored the ceasefire. The ceremony will mark an attempt to symbolize diplomatic progress, although the war continues to cause major suffering. The “Golden Heart” distinction was also awarded to Marc Beckman, Melania Trump's advisor, for managing diplomatic efforts. This measure recognizes the role of civilians in overcoming political and military obstacles. The presence of officials from both sides will underscore the importance of open communication in the peace process. To support repatriation efforts and reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure, Zelensky hopes this will be the first in a series of diplomatic measures that will lead to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Participation by ambassadors and human rights commissioners will help monitor the situation on the ground, ensuring the correct application of future ceasefires. ^[7]

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Zelensky decorates Melania Trump with the Order of Princess Olga, among former laureates Nancy Pelosi and Kaja Kallas

Previous laureates of the Order of Princess Olga include former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and the current MEP and head of EU foreign policy, Kaja Kallas. Melania Trump sent a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in August 2025, thereby establishing a direct communication channel to negotiate the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children. ^[8]

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Zelensky decorates Melania Trump with the Order of Princess Olga for humanitarian work

President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded First Lady of the United States Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, recognizing her humanitarian work in Ukraine, according to a presidential decree. ^[9]

The decree recognizes Melania Trump for a “significant personal contribution to humanitarian support provided to Ukraine”, active involvement in defending human rights, and charitable work intended to assist those affected by the war triggered by Russia, contributing to the repatriation of kidnapped Ukrainian children. ^[9]

The distinction comes days after nearly 800 people were evacuated from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky as part of a humanitarian operation in which Melania Trump, along with other actors, helped organize. ^[9]

The Order of Princess Olga is a Ukrainian state distinction awarded to women for exceptional personal contributions in public service, science, education, culture, and charitable activities. ^[9]

Previous laureates include international and Ukrainian public figures, including former Speaker of the US House of Representatives and current MEP Nancy Pelosi, as well as EU Head of Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas. ^[9]

Melania Trump supported humanitarian efforts related to Russia's war against Ukraine and acted as a diplomatic intermediary in efforts to ensure the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. ^[9]

After sending a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in August 2025, she established an open communication channel to negotiate the return of the children. ^[9]

Zelensky previously awarded American billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk the Order of Liberty by a decree on August 26. A few months later, Musk restricted Ukraine's access to Starlink. ^[9]

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Zelensky decorates Melania Trump with the Order of Princess Olga

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decorated First Lady of the United States Melania Trump for her role as mediator in the humanitarian ceasefire agreement, valid for six days, agreed by Moscow and Kyiv on the Kherson front line last week to evacuate civilians from the village of Oleshky, EFE reports. ^[10]

In a decree signed by President Zelensky on November 2 and made public by the Ukrainian presidency, the leader in Kyiv awards the First Lady of the President of the Trumps the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, a Ukrainian state distinction awarded exclusively to women. The presidential decree highlights Melania Trump’s humanitarian support for Ukraine and her activities in supporting Ukrainian children and adults affected by the Russian invasion. ^[10]

Separately, President Zelensky signed a decree decorating Marc Beckman, adviser to the First Lady of the United States, for his activity in realizing and implementing the Oleshky ceasefire. Beckman, who personally managed all proceedings on behalf of Melania Trump, receives the Golden Heart, a decoration that the Ukrainian state has awarded to many volunteers during this war. The First Lady of the United States has convened a ceremony at the White House with “representatives of Russia and Ukraine” to celebrate the success of the Oleshky ceasefire. Commissioner for Human Rights of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, announced that he is en route to Washington to participate in the ceremony. From Russia, Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova is expected to participate, having represented Moscow during the negotiation and implementation of the ceasefire. ^[10]

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Zelensky decorates Melania Trump with the Order of Princess Olga for her role in mediating the Oleshky crisis

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded First Lady of the United States Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga (First Class) by presidential decree No. 1079 dated November 2, 2026. ^[11]

Zelensky bestowed honors on Melania Trump for her role as mediator in the six-day humanitarian ceasefire agreed between Kyiv and Moscow, Friday, in the Kherson region, intended for the evacuation of civilians from Oleshky. The decree, signed on November 2 and made public on Wednesday, also highlights the humanitarian support provided by the First Lady of the United States, including actions for children and adults affected by the invasion. ^[11]

For her gesture, Melania Trump received the Order of Princess Olga, First Class – a Ukrainian state distinction awarded exclusively to women. In parallel, the Ukrainian President awarded the First Lady's advisor, Marc Beckman, the “Golden Heart” distinction, for coordinating diplomatic efforts and implementing the Oleshky agreement. ^[11]

The official reaction followed with the calling of a ceremony at the White House, scheduled for Thursday, destined to mark the success of the ceasefire and inviting “representatives of Russia and Ukraine”. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Commissioner for Human Rights, and Yana Lantratova, his Russian colleague, will participate in the event, having been directly involved in negotiating and monitoring the ceasefire. ^[11]

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Zelensky decorates Melania Trump for her role in the Oleshky ceasefire

The President of Ukraine awarded First Lady of the United States Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga (First Class) and also bestowed the “Golden Heart” Distinction on her advisor, Marc Beckman. The decorations refer to the active role in mediating a temporary ceasefire in Oleshky, initiated by Melania Trump on October 29, and the First Lady's ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine. ^[12]

The presidential decree signed on November 2 recognizes Melania Trump for a “significant personal contribution to humanitarian support provided to Ukraine”, charitable activities for those affected by the war, and involvement in the repatriation of kidnapped Ukrainian children. The Order of Princess Olga, First Class, is a Ukrainian state distinction awarded exclusively to women. ^[12]

The Oleshky ceasefire, agreed between Kyiv and Moscow, was valid for six days, allowing the evacuation of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid to an isolated and devastated city. The advisor who handled diplomatic proceedings, Marc Beckman, received the “Golden Heart” distinction, awarded to volunteers for supporting the population during the war. ^[12]

The White House confirmed that Melania Trump was the main mediator of negotiations that led to the temporary ceasefire, aiming to facilitate access to water, food, and medicine for civilians. Her diplomatic action followed a previous initiative in August 2025, when she sent a direct letter to President Vladimir Putin. ^[12]

The city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, is located on the front line, on the left bank of the Dnipro, and was completely isolated due to its strategic position and destruction. Local infrastructure (electricity, gas, water) was destroyed by bombardments and floods, leaving the population without essential resources. ^[12]

Land route food deliveries stopped completely due to anti-tank mines and attacks on convoys. Eyewitnesses and local sources reported that residents survived for months by eating garden weeds, wild birds, and even animal feed. ^[12]

Before the ceasefire, the city operated without electricity, gas, and medicine, and drinking water was non-existent. Aid delivered by the Russian administration required recipients to accept Russian citizenship, and the Ukrainian army could only sporadically deliver survival packages with the help of drones. ^[12]

Before the evacuations facilitated by the ceasefire, only approximately 2,000 people remained in Oleshky, in a region that had registered 6,000 inhabitants. The city's demographics collapsed dramatically compared to approximately 25,000 inhabitants living here before the start of the war. ^[12]

The decoration ceremony was crowned by a special event organized by Melania Trump at the White House, with the presence of human rights commissioners from both sides, Dmytro Lubinets and Yana Lantratova. This marked efforts to monitor the ceasefire and highlighted the importance of open diplomatic channels in the context of the war. ^[12]

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Melania Trump explains at the White House how she led to the Oleshky ceasefire. Putin thanks her and gives her a drawing

US First Lady Melania Trump revealed on Thursday at the White House details of negotiations for the six-day ceasefire in Oleshky, Kherson region, while Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, thanked her for her crucial role in the humanitarian mission, offering a drawing made by an 11-year-old girl with the message “I love Melania”. ^[13]

Melania Trump confirmed her direct involvement in all stages of the operation, from planning de-mining and analyzing aerial images to establishing evacuation routes and ambulance access to hospitals, and the ceasefire allowed the evacuation of approximately 800 people using 25 buses and nine ambulances, information confirmed by Sky News. ^[13]

The meeting at the White House brought together officials from both sides a few days after the expiration of the ceasefire and was one of the few recent direct interactions between representatives of Ukraine and Russia. ^[13]

“I hope Oleshky will inspire broader peace. Now we must use the courage shown at Oleshky to find common ground, starting from our concern for the suffering of innocent people,” Melania Trump said. ^[13]

Melania Trump explained that she learned about the severity of the situation in the region in September and initiated contacts with Moscow and Kyiv through her representative, subsequently establishing an “open communication channel” with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August 2025 to facilitate the reunion of displaced Ukrainian children with their families. ^[13]

“Russia and Ukraine respect the relationship they have with me and agreed to cooperate with me, as exclusive mediator, to establish a ceasefire in Oleshky and the surrounding region of Kherson,” she stated. ^[13]

Melania Trump specified that her role as exclusive mediator was formalized through written documents drafted and signed by both parties involved in the conflict. ^[13]

“I was involved in every stage of planning. I analyzed plans for de-mining, aerial images, evaluated roads, and discussed evacuation routes, ambulance access to hospitals, and medical resources,” Melania Trump declared. ^[13]

The First Lady of the United States spoke about the importance of freedom, stating that it exists only when the “mind is free of fear”. ^[13]

“A free world is a world where people can live with dignity, truth, and knowledge, without fear, and enjoy freedom under the rays of the sun. There must be the promise of a life without oppression,” she affirms. ^[13]

Melania Trump says that for a short period, residents of Oleshky “experienced relief from the psychological horrors of war”. ^[13]

Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, thanked Melania Trump for the “crucial leadership role” she played in the humanitarian mission in Oleshky. ^[13]

“This humanitarian mission demonstrates what can be achieved when compassion, determination, and cooperation come together. Dear Melania, you have saved and touched the lives of so many people,” he declared, while offering a gift to the First Lady of the United States. ^[13]

Kirill Dmitriev gave Melania Trump a drawing made by an 11-year-old girl, on which was written the message: “I love Melania”. ^[13]

The meeting in Washington brought together representatives involved in the evacuation operation, as well as officials experienced in negotiations between the two countries. ^[13]

The Ukrainian delegation included Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's Ombudsman, and MP Davyd Arakhamia. Russia was represented by Yana Lantratova, Lubinets’s counterpart, and Kirill Dmitriev, a businessman close to the Kremlin, who participated repeatedly in US-mediated negotiations. ^[13]

Last week, Lubinets and Lantratova traveled together to Oleshky, an unusual demonstration of cooperation between officials of the two states at war. ^[13]

Arakhamia, leader of the parliamentary group of Volodymyr Zelensky's party, was previously part of the Ukrainian negotiation team in peace talks with Russia. According to diplomatic sources cited by Ukrainian press, he was responsible for informal contacts between the White House and Moscow during the ceasefire. ^[13]

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Russian delegation would be formed by Lantratova and Dmitriev. ^[13]

The White House maintained that Melania Trump independently initiated dialogue between the two nations at war and succeeded in obtaining the ceasefire. The American administration described the effort as an unprecedented diplomatic initiative for a First Lady of the United States. ^[13]

The city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, had become the center of a serious humanitarian crisis. Residents remaining under Russian occupation faced severe shortages of food, drinking water, and electricity, and evacuation was extremely dangerous due to mined roads. ^[13]

The temporary ceasefire entered into force on October 27 and allowed a six-day pause in fighting. During this interval, certain routes were de-mined and food, medicine, and drinking water were delivered. Also, civilians blocked in the city for months or even years were able to leave. ^[13]

The joint Russo-Ukrainian humanitarian operation involved 25 buses and nine ambulances. According to reports about the mission, approximately 800 people were evacuated. ^[13]

For some who wished to reach territories controlled by Ukraine, the journey was complicated. Some crossed occupied Crimea and arrived in Anapa, Russia, from where they flew to Belarus and continued their journey by bus to Ukraine. ^[13]

The ceasefire ended on Sunday, after the six days during which evacuation and transportation of humanitarian aid were possible. ^[13]

The meeting at the White House took place one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, a distinction intended for women. ^[13]

According to the presidential decree, the decoration was conferred for her “significant personal contribution to humanitarian support provided to Ukraine”. ^[13]

The document also mentioned her efforts regarding Ukrainian children affected by the war. In 2025, Melania Trump announced that an “open communication channel” had been established with Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate the reunion of displaced Ukrainian children during the war with their families. ^[13]

According to authorities in Kyiv, nearly 20,000 children were illegally transferred to Russia and Belarus since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. ^[13]

Earlier this year, the United Nations transmitted that the deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia constitutes crimes against humanity and war crimes. ^[13]

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Putin's emissary at the White House for the ceasefire mediated by Melania Trump

Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, appeared Thursday next to First Lady Melania Trump at the White House, reunited with Russian and Ukrainian officials to mark the ceasefire mediated by Melania Trump between the two countries. Speaking at the invitation of the First Lady, Dmitriev thanked her for Melania Trump's “special humanitarian role” in obtaining the ceasefire, mentioning that Putin gave personal instructions during the operation and conveyed his thanks. President Donald Trump did not participate in the event. The event included speeches from Davyd Arakhamia, head of the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's party, and from Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's Commissioner for Human Rights. Melania Trump declared that she hopes the suspension of hostilities in the Russian-occupied village of Oleshky can lead to something more durable than the six-day ceasefire. “What matters is not the modesty of this beginning, but the determination to turn it into something extraordinary,” she said. The White House announced on October 23 that the First Lady mediated a ceasefire in the village of Oleshky for the delivery of humanitarian aid and evacuation of civilians, after an agreement between Ukrainian, Russian, and American negotiators. The local ceasefire was in effect between October 27 and November 1, representing the most significant ceasefire since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now four and a half years ago. ^[14]

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Melania Trump mediates the Oleshky ceasefire: meeting at the White House with representatives of Russia and Ukraine

Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States, personally received at the White House delegations from Russia and Ukraine, having a personal role as mediator in negotiations for a ceasefire in the town of Oleshky. In the speech given on Thursday, Melania Trump reported details about negotiations held with Russia and Ukraine for a temporary halt of fire in the town of Oleshky, in the Kherson region. The First Lady was involved in all stages of the operation, concerned with planning de-mining and establishing evacuation routes. “I expect the Oleshky ceasefire to inspire broader peace. Now we must use the courage shown at Oleshky to find common ground, starting from our concern for the suffering of innocent people,” said Melania Trump. Melania Trump specified that her role as exclusive mediator was formalized through written documents drafted and signed by both parties involved in the conflict. “A free world is a world where people can live with dignity, truth, and knowledge, without fear, and enjoy freedom under the rays of the sun. There must be the promise of a life without oppression,” added the First Lady. “Russia and Ukraine respect the relationship they have with me and agreed to cooperate with me, as exclusive mediator, to establish a ceasefire in Oleshky and the surrounding region of Kherson,” Melania Trump further declared. In turn, envoys of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky handed the Order of Princess Olga to Melania Trump. For the first time, Ukrainian and Russian representatives sat next to each other at the White House. David Arakhamia, Ukrainian representative, stood next to diplomat Kirill Dmitriev, and the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmitri Lubinets, stood next to his Russian counterpart, Yana Lantratova. After receiving the Russo-Ukrainian delegations and delivering speeches, Melania Trump handed out distinctions during a ceremony. ^[15]

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Melania Trump calls for lasting peace at the White House, alongside Russian and Ukrainian officials

The event at the White House was organized to mark the recent six-day ceasefire from Oleshky, a Ukrainian town under Russian occupation, whose mediation Melania Trump contributed to. “I hope Oleshky will inspire broader peace. Any significant transformation begins with a small spark,” Melania Trump told journalists Thursday, in a joint press conference with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Ukrainian negotiator David Arahamia. “I chose humanity instead of war,” affirmed the wife of American President Donald Trump. “Now we must use the courage we brought to Oleshky to find common ground, starting from the common concern for the suffering of innocent people,” she added. “Together we can create something more durable than a temporary ceasefire,” emphasized Melania Trump. Finally, the US First Lady said she had sent letters to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky. “The Oleshky ceasefire would not have been possible without President Putin and President Zelensky. Their cooperation creates an important precedent for promoting peace throughout the region,” she further declared. Ukraine's Ombudsman, Dmitro Lubinets, handed Melania Trump a national distinction for her role in mediating the Oleshky ceasefire, which allowed the evacuation of civilians. Kirill Dmitriev stated: “On behalf of President Putin, on behalf of the citizens of the Russian Federation, we wish to thank First Lady Melania Trump for the remarkable humanitarian role she played in resolving the situation at Oleshky.” On the sidelines of the event, Dmitriev, special envoy of Vladimir Putin, met with American officials, two people familiar with the schedule of the Russian official stated to Reuters. The Oleshky ceasefire was short, but it represented a rare moment in the war launched by Russia against Ukraine in February 2022 – and it was respected by both sides. The ceasefire allowed de-mining of roads and evacuation of residents. The First Lady of the United States was also involved in efforts to repatriate Ukrainian children taken to Russia. ^[16]