Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the outcome of the US election could help Ukraine and voiced hope for greater American support. The comments came as representatives from Ukraine and Russia were expected to meet US First Lady Melania Trump at the White House to discuss a limited ceasefire in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, said on Facebook that he was travelling to Washington for important meetings and asked what message people would want him to pass on to Melania Trump. Russian officials also announced that Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Russia’s human rights commissioner, Yana Lantratova, would take part, subject to logistical arrangements. Trump’s office said she would speak at 11 a.m. local time.
Zelensky awarded Trump the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, citing her personal contribution to humanitarian assistance for Ukraine and her work on human rights and charity. The Ukrainian decree also praised her support for Ukrainian children, particularly those taken from Russian-occupied areas.
The White House and officials from both countries have credited Trump with helping secure a six-day local ceasefire in Oleshky. During a joint evacuation operation last week, people were able to leave the damaged city for either Ukraine or Russia, and humanitarian supplies were delivered. The source describes it as the longest local truce since the start of the war.
Zelensky said negotiations should be pursued with full effort to end the war as soon as possible, adding that Ukraine was ready to take the necessary steps.
Sources: FAZ.