First lady Melania Trump hosted Russian and Ukrainian representatives at the White House on Thursday and said she hoped the six-day ceasefire in Oreshki, which has produced tangible, positive results, will inspire greater peace.
Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Rubinets, Ukrainian lawmaker and negotiator David Alahamia, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev joined the first lady at the White House before reporters.
The summit comes days after a ceasefire in Oreshki brokered by the first lady, which lasted from October 27 to November 1. The ceasefire resulted in the evacuation of nearly 800 people and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the area.
“Oreshki will forever unite the brave people gathered at the White House today. We chose humanity over war. It is undeniable that the lives of innocent people must transcend the divisions of war. I hope Oreshki inspires greater peace,” she said.
She further expressed hope for a more lasting resolution.
“Let us see Oreshki as a spark in a dark world, capable of illuminating the best in humanity; building a powerful flame of peace visible around the world; igniting hope; fostering cooperation; and lighting a path to lasting peace,” she said.
The first lady said she began working toward a ceasefire in Oreshki after learning in September of the severity of the humanitarian crisis. She instructed her representative and exclusive senior adviser Mark Beckman to seek peace between the two countries in Oreshki.
Dmitriev spoke at the event and thanked the First Lady on behalf of Putin and the Russian Federation ” she Outstanding humanitarian Role exist solve Oreski Condition and solve this humanitarian question. ”
He added: “She played a vital leadership role in coordinating humanitarian operations in Oreshki and reuniting Russian and Ukrainian families, ensuring that the agreement became action and that action saved lives.”
Since October 2025, the first lady has helped 34 children displaced by war return to their families, Breitbart News first reported.
Alakamiya also thanked the First Lady and said that the successful ceasefire changed people’s expectations for peaceful achievement.
“First of all, Madam First Lady, I want to thank you. You’ve done a fantastic job. I think when it all started with your team, we had about 5 percent of us believing in success and 95 percent of the skeptics saying, ‘This isn’t going to work,'” he said.
“Now, after what happened, it’s the complete opposite. So now 95% believe we can do something like this, 5% are still skeptical, but the work continues,” he added.
He also praised Beckman.
“I personally want to thank Mark Beckman because without Mark, I don’t think anything would have happened,” he said.