Melania Trump to host Russian and Ukrainian envoys ahead of Abu Dhabi peace talks

Melania Trump will host Russian and Ukrainian representatives at the White House on Thursday, ahead of US-mediated peace talks scheduled in Abu Dhabi next week aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. The First Lady is expected to address the humanitarian consequences of the Russian invasion, highlighting a recent ceasefire that enabled the evacuation of the occupied Ukrainian city of Olechky. Ukrainian and Russian human rights mediators Dmytro Lubinets and Iana Lantratova, involved in the truce, are slated to attend, with Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev possibly present. The meeting follows a Democratic victory in the US midterm elections and comes as President Donald Trump has faced criticism for recent rapprochement with Moscow, including a diesel supply deal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who decorated Melania Trump for her humanitarian work, discussed Abu Dhabi preparations with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.