Russian and Ukrainian representatives are scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday after first lady Melania Trump helped negotiate a temporary ceasefire in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region.
The humanitarian pause was established to deliver emergency food and medical aid for residents and to open an evacuation corridor for those seeking to leave the front-line town.
The White House said Mrs. Trump initiated discussions between Ukrainian and Russian human rights officials at the U.N. General Assembly in September. Officials from both sides acknowledged her involvement and thanked Mr. Trump for facilitating the humanitarian channel.
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“This achievement marks an unprecedented diplomatic initiative by an American first lady,” the White House said.
Mrs. Trump is set to deliver remarks about the ceasefire during the visit.
Ukrainian military officials said they operated within the framework of the temporary ceasefire agreement.
“As a result, humanitarian cargo was delivered to its destination, and Ukrainian men and women who wished to leave Oleshky have returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory,” Ukrainian general staff officials said.
They accused the Russian forces of using the humanitarian pause to improve their position on the line.
“During the ceasefire, the rotation of Russian units, the fortification of positions, the expansion of anti-drone measures along the road and increased logistics activity, including the delivery of ammunition, were recorded,” Ukrainian officials said.
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