Ceasefire in Ukrainian town: US first lady's negotiating success

US First Lady Melania Trump, who brokered a three-day ceasefire in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied town in southern Ukraine, welcomed senior representatives of the Russian and Ukrainian governments at the White House. Though limited in scope, it is seen as a notable humanitarian advance.

During the ceasefire, hundreds of civilians were evacuated safely and humanitarian aid was delivered. "I was involved in every stage of the planning; I assessed demining plans, aerial imagery, evacuation routes and medical facilities," Melania said.

Her senior foreign policy adviser Marc Beckman also played a key role in the negotiations, and both sides thanked him. Melania expressed hope that the ceasefire would become a spark of peace in a war that has passed four years.

President Trump's efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war completely have not yet borne fruit, however. Working-level talks mediated by the US are due to take place in Abu Dhabi next week.

Although President Trump has referred to a big, beautiful agreement coming on Ukraine, he has not released details. Meanwhile, his administration is facing criticism from both parties for easing some economic sanctions on Russia.

Hours before the event, President Volodymyr Zelensky said dozens of people were killed in Russian bombs dropped on a school building in southeastern Ukraine, calling it one of the war's most brutal attacks. The Oleshky operation proved that the fighting would stop if Putin wanted it, he added.