US First Lady Melania Trump received representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the White House. The meeting was dedicated to a humanitarian operation in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, which is under Russian control, Associated Press reports. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Russia was represented at the meeting by Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev and ombudsman Yana Lantratova. According to Interfax, their participation was confirmed before the meeting by Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov.
Ukraine was represented by David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada, and ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. Their trip was earlier reported by Ukrinform.
Melania Trump handed Arakhamia and Dmitriev letters for Vladimir Zelensky and Vladimir Putin.
US President Donald Trump did not take part in the meeting.
"We chose humanity over war," the first lady said. She called on both sides to continue dialogue to help civilians, Reuters reports.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that the agreement provided for the delivery of food, water and medicines to Oleshky. The truce was in effect from October 27 to November 1. At its start, about 2,000 people remained in the city, which is under the control of Russian troops. Some residents left for territory controlled by Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities did not disclose the number of evacuees for security reasons.
Three days before the meeting, Vladimir Zelensky awarded Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga, first degree, for humanitarian support of Ukraine and assistance to war victims.
A separate round of talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine is scheduled for November 10–11 in Abu Dhabi. According to US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff, the parties will discuss post-war security, de-escalation and humanitarian initiatives.