Zelensky awards Melania Trump state honour after Oleshky ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the US first lady the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, in a decree dated 2 November.

The decree cites her contribution to humanitarian support for Ukraine and work to help people affected by Russian aggression, including children and others deported or forcibly moved from occupied territory. It does not mention Oleshky by name.

The award follows a six-day local ceasefire around the Russian-occupied southern city, which ended on 1 November. The pause allowed civilians to leave and humanitarian supplies to be delivered. Trump said nearly 800 people were evacuated, Reuters reported. Associated Press journalists saw evacuees arrive at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border on 31 October.

The White House says Trump independently initiated contact between the two countries and secured the ceasefire. Ukraine’s human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, thanked her and her team for their efforts and coordination between the negotiating groups. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also credited her with a significant contribution to the humanitarian operation, Russian outlet Ura.ru reported, according to The Kyiv Independent.

The full extent of Trump’s personal role remains unclear. Pope Leo XIV had also pressed Russia and Ukraine to allow aid deliveries and evacuations, AP reported.

Trump is due to bring Russian and Ukrainian representatives together at the White House on 5 November and deliver remarks on the Oleshky ceasefire, the White House said.