For Oleshky ceasefire, Melania Trump hosts Putin envoy and Ukraine officials at White House
A ceasefire recognized at the White House
The event honored a temporary six-day truce in Oleshky, which is under Russian control. The first lady received two gifts at the gathering. Melania Trump said the parties had chosen humanity over war. She urged attendees to build on their efforts in Oleshky and seek common ground around the suffering of innocent people.
Political shift in Washington
Dmitriev attended and met with US officials, according to two people familiar with his plans. The visit was the first in-person contact between Russian and US officials since Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Dmitriev and diplomacy ahead
The leaders’ meeting is planned for November 18 to 19 during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China. Dmitriev has helped facilitate releases of American detainees in Russia, the reunification of Ukrainian children with their families, and the humanitarian operation in Oleshky.
Key points
- Melania Trump hosted Russian and Ukrainian representatives at a White House event recognizing a six-day ceasefire in Oleshky.
- Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with US officials during the visit.
- Democrats are set to control both chambers of Congress starting in January.
- The Kremlin said preparations were underway for a Putin, Trump and Xi Jinping meeting in Shenzhen.