Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded US First Lady Melania Trump a state honor for her role in facilitating an evacuation from a city near the front line, reports Reuters.A presidential decree dated the 2nd of November states that the award is granted in recognition of her significant contribution to humanitarian aid for Ukraine and her assistance to Ukrainian children—including those who were deported or forcibly removed from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia.The Order of Princess Olga (1st Class) is awarded to women who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the fields of science, education, culture, or charity. Ukrainian officials indicated that Melania Trump played a key role in organizing a six-day ceasefire, during which civilians were evacuated from Oleshky, a city in the Russian-occupied southern part of Ukraine. The evacuation concluded on the 1st of November. This marked the longest ceasefire observed since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Melania Trump reported that nearly 800 residents were evacuated. Citing the White House, the BBC reports that the First Lady took the initiative to establish communication between the two nations embroiled in war and successfully secured adherence to a ceasefire. The White House added that this achievement represents an unprecedented diplomatic initiative by a US First Lady.Both Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly thanked Melania Trump for facilitating the ceasefire; however, neither side provided further details regarding her specific actions.
Melania Trump receives Ukrainian State award
