Melania Trump hosts Russian and Ukrainian officials, urges lasting Ukraine truce

US First Lady Melania Trump hosted Russian and Ukrainian officials at the White House, calling for a more enduring ceasefire in Ukraine following last week's truce in the Kherson region. She was credited by all parties for playing a key but unspecified role in brokering the six-day ceasefire. The truce allowed hundreds of residents of Russian-occupied Oleshky to evacuate amid starvation and bombardment. Melania Trump said she reviewed demining plans and evacuation routes, and both delegations conveyed gratitude from Presidents Zelensky and Putin, with officials praising her work on reuniting children separated by the war. The event marked an unusual direct meeting between senior officials outside official peace talks, which have been unsuccessful since last year. However, sources suggested the ceasefire's success depended on Putin's willingness, with some implying it was timed to benefit Donald Trump's midterm elections.