I have no idea how crucial Melania Trump’s involvement was to get this ceasefire — but the fact she can swoop in and claim any credit just goes to show how little Kushner and Witkoff are actually pursuing any type of peace agreement.
— ‘The White House statement said the ceasefire was brokered by Melania Trump, and her representative worked directly with Russian and Ukrainian leadership to define the terms. “Residents who wish to evacuate will receive coordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination. I anticipate some will want to go to Russia, and some to Ukraine,” the first lady said.
Despite the claim the ceasefire had been brokered by Melania Trump, there had already been protracted efforts to organise a humanitarian ceasefire, with claims by Ukrainian officials that it had been Russia that had rejected previous calls.’
the GuardianRussia and Ukraine agree to local ceasefire in Oleshky amid deepening humanitarian crisisPeople in Russian-occupied city facing severe shortages of food, water and electricity, with some reportedly surviving on weeds