The key facts

  • The six-day ceasefire in Alyoshky, Kherson region, was organized to deliver humanitarian aid and evacuate civilians
  • Melania Trump received the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, from Volodymyr Zelensky for her humanitarian contribution
  • Envoy Kirill Dmitriev thanked the first lady, while David Arakhamia urged continued humanitarian initiatives

The ceasefire in Alyoshky was presented as a model of cooperation

US First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday, at a meeting at the White House with the participation of representatives of Russia and Ukraine, called for renewed efforts to achieve a lasting peace and cited the humanitarian ceasefire in Alyoshky — a city in Kherson region under Russian control — as an example. According to Anadolu, the six-day ceasefire was organized to deliver humanitarian aid and evacuate civilians affected by the war.

'A spark of light in the darkness'

Trump stated that the lives of innocent people must stand above political and military disagreements, and called the arrangement 'a small but significant beginning.' 'Every meaningful transformation begins with a small spark. What matters is not the modesty of this beginning, but the determination to turn it into something extraordinary,' the outlet quoted her as saying. She called on the international community to see Alyoshky as a symbol of hope and noted the role of Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky in organizing the arrangement, calling their cooperation a significant precedent for advancing peace in the region.

Reaction from the Russian and Ukrainian sides

Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, on behalf of the Russian president and the people of Russia, thanked the first lady for her 'outstanding humanitarian role' in resolving the situation in Alyoshky. According to him, Trump played a key role in coordinating humanitarian aid, reuniting Russian and Ukrainian families, and turning agreements into practical action. He added that many residents of Alyoshky decided to stay and received assistance, some chose to relocate, and it is important that humanitarian deliveries continue. The leader of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine's parliament, David Arakhamia, also welcomed the initiative and called on Trump to continue humanitarian efforts and de-escalation. In recognition of her contribution, Zelensky awarded the first lady the Order of Princess Olga, First Class.