By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded U.S. First Lady Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga, 1st class, citing her significant personal contribution to humanitarian support for Ukraine and efforts to help Ukrainian children, including those deported from Russian-occupied territory.
The presidential decree, dated November 2, highlighted her pivotal role in securing a six-day ceasefire in the Russian-occupied southern town of Oleshky, allowing the evacuation of nearly 800 civilians, mostly elderly residents in dire need of medical attention, food, and clean water. The pause in fighting, which began Tuesday and concluded Sunday, marked the longest local cessation of hostilities since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Pope Leo XIV also intervened this month, urging Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to allow humanitarian aid into Oleshky and safe evacuation of civilians. Both Ukraine and Russia are seeking U.S. President Donald Trump's approval as he pushes for a peace settlement. On Thursday, Melania Trump will host representatives from Russia and Ukraine at the White House, an event the White House called an unprecedented diplomatic initiative by an American first lady.
