First Lady Melania Trump delivers remarks on Ukraine-Russia war

[0:00] Good morning and welcome. Oleski will forever unite the brave individuals gathered at the White [0:09] House today. We have chosen humanity over war. Undeniably, the lives of innocent people [0:19] must transcend the division of war. I hope Oleski inspires greater peace. Every significant [0:30] transformation begins with a small spark. What matters is not the modesty of this beginning, [0:39] but the determination to turn into something extraordinary. Now we must use the courage [0:49] we brought to Oleski to find common ground through a shared concern for the suffering of innocent [0:56] people. Together we can create something more enduring than a temporary ceasefire. [1:05] Let us see Oleski as a spark in a world of darkness, capable of illuminating the best in humanity, [1:17] build a powerful flame of peace visible to the world, ignite hope, foster cooperation, and brighten a path [1:28] toward lasting peace. I became aware of the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Oleski in September, [1:40] recognizing the urgency, I acted immediately and directed my representative Mark Backman to engage with [1:48] Russia and Ukraine on my behalf to pursue peace in Oleski. Both nations welcomed my participation, [1:57] acknowledging that previous efforts to establish a ceasefire in the region had not succeed. Russia and Ukraine [2:08] honor our relationship and agreed to work with me in the capacity of exclusive intermediary to establish [2:18] a ceasefire in Oleski and the surrounding Kirshen region. Our shared objective was to deliver critical [2:29] humanitarian aid to Oleski residents and establish a safe evacuation route for civilians. My role as an exclusive [2:40] intermediary was memorialized in written agreements drafted and signed by both Russia and Ukraine. [2:50] Mark and I began our work using the communication channels we had previously established to reunite children [3:00] with their families in Russia and Ukraine. Humanitarian, military, and government officials from Russia and Ukraine [3:09] worked diligently to coordinate every aspect of the operation. I was involved in every stage of the [3:20] planning. I reviewed the mining plans, aerial images, assessed roadways, and discussed evacuation routes, [3:30] hospital access, vehicles, and medical resources. I was made aware of the preferred dates [3:37] and timing of the operation. My communication with Russia and Ukraine was extensive, professional, detailed, [3:48] and highly cooperative. Mark and I did everything possible to support both nations in advancing their [3:57] shared commitment to reach a ceasefire in Oleski. We fulfilled our responsibilities at every stage, [4:07] collaborating with Russia and Ukraine teams through completion. Russia and Ukraine signed agreements in both [4:17] languages on Friday, October 23rd, 2026. I commend both sides for your good faith efforts to define and [4:29] implement all components of this sophisticated ceasefire. I would like to welcome Mr. Kirill Dimitrov, [4:39] special envoy to President Putin of the Russian Federation, to the podium to say a few words. [4:46] Dear First Lady Melania Trump, distinguished guests, dear friends, each of us is unique. Each of us can [5:06] make a contribution that no one else can. And sometimes our greatest step is the simplest act of humanity. [5:16] On behalf of President Putin, on behalf of people of the Russian Federation, we would like to thank First [5:22] First Lady Melania Trump for her distinguished humanitarian role in resolving Oleski situation and [5:33] resolving this humanitarian issue. She played a crucial leadership role in coordinating humanitarian [5:40] operation in Oleski and reunifying Russian and Ukrainian families in ensuring that agreements become [5:48] actions and actions save lives. President Putin personally gave all of the necessary instructions [5:56] to ensure the successful implementation of the local ceasefire in Oleski. The Ukrainian side abided by [6:02] ceasefire. And this humanitarian mission shows what can be achieved when compassion, determination and cooperation [6:12] come together. Also security services, military services, commissioners for human rights, Mr. Lubinec, [6:20] Ms. Lantratova for Russia and Ukraine played a critical role in ensuring this operation and success. [6:27] Of course, Mark Beckman, advisor to First Lady with whom we interacted on a daily basis, [6:32] played an absolutely important role in making sure that this operation is a success as well. And many residents of [6:38] Oleski decided to stay and received humanitarian help. Some decided to relocate and very important that [6:46] humanitarian deliveries will continue. Today we also honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. [6:54] We remember Russian military demeanor, Sergeant Andrey Vedernikov, who died in this operation by ensuring [7:02] its success and its success. And our thoughts are with his wife, his two children and his families. [7:10] Madam First Lady, your humanitarian work supported by President Putin and Commissioner on Children Rights [7:16] Maria Lvova Belova succeeded in reunifying 34 children with their families in Ukraine, in Russia. [7:24] And we know that your work will continue to ensure that families come together and the children are [7:30] protected. President Putin also appreciates President Trump's peacemaking effort and his team working on [7:38] a peace plan to resolve Ukrainian crisis. President Trump has asked President Putin to support a number [7:47] of initiatives on exchanging of prisoners, on releasing U.S. prisoners, on humanitarian efforts, [7:54] and President Putin supported those ideas and those initiatives. And it's very important that [8:00] cooperation between Russia and Ukraine and Russia and the United States matters not only for our two [8:07] nations, but for the entire world. Let us continue making great humanitarian contributions we can [8:14] together. Let us build a future of peace, partnership, and prosperity for the benefit of our families, [8:21] our children, and future generations. Dear Melania, you saved and touched so many lives. As a token of [8:28] appreciation, we would like to give you a small gift, which is a painting by 11-year-old girl Lydia, [8:37] from Oleshki, who chose to be living with her family in Russia, in Tuopse. And this beautiful drawing says [8:46] just three words. I love Melania. And this message from children, frankly, overshadows any diplomatic statement [8:56] anybody can make. So thank you so much, First Lady. Thank you for your incredible humanitarian work. [9:11] Carol, thank you for your cooperation and professionalism. My deepest appreciation to Miss Anna [9:37] Lantratova, Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation. Your dedication brings hope and [9:44] dignity to those devastated by war. Thank you. Freedom exists only when the mind is without fear. It [9:55] is both an ethical and intellectual condition. A free world is one where people can live with dignity, [10:03] truth, and knowledge without fear. To soar freely beneath the sun, we must have promise of life without [10:13] oppression. For a brief period, Oleshki residents enjoyed relief from the psychological horrors of war. [10:23] For innocent people living in the shadow of a war, freedom is more personal than we can fully understand. [10:33] It is found in the simplest moments of life. Last week in Oleshki and neighboring areas of Kirshen, [10:43] people experience the simple joys of life for the first time since 2022. They walk down familiar [10:52] streets without fear of explosions. Four brave American journalists entered the war-torn region [11:02] to documented the wishes of Olenski's residents. Working in the true spirit of journalism, Newsmax provided [11:12] transparency, accountability, and protections to safeguard the truth. Thanks to those journalists [11:22] who are with us here today. Thank you. The leaders of Russia and Ukraine work to establish calm. Food, [11:32] clean water, and medicine entered the era. And nearly 80 people, 800 people, left their homes in search of [11:42] safety, loved ones, and a renewed sense of being. Mr. Devik Akaromuniya, faction leader of the Servant [11:56] of People Party of Ukraine, is also with us today. Please join me and say a few words. [12:03] I have a speech, but I think while hearing everyone, I will speak from my heart. First, [12:15] Madam First Lady, I would like to thank you. You did an amazing job. I think when everything started [12:21] with you and your team, we had about 5% of people who believed in success and 95% of skeptics who say [12:28] it's not going to work. Now after it happened, it switched completely vice versa. So now 95% of the people [12:35] believe that we could do things like that. And 5% are still skeptical, but the work is going on. And I would [12:43] like to personally thank Mark Beckman, because without Mark, I think nothing would happen. It's 24 [12:50] hours work. It's one thing, it's to agree things on political level. And then another thing is to [12:56] execute things on an execution level. And it requires a lot of people, you know, a human rights commissioner [13:02] on both sides, it has a lot of challenges. You know, people have to learn how to keep these agreements in [13:09] place. And I think that besides a really, really big, I think the biggest there is the escalation [13:15] since 2022 that we achieved for five days, people, first day people in Harrison, not only in Oleski, [13:21] but people in Harrison who were staying at Hopes, first days, they did not believe it's happening. [13:26] So they were sitting, continue to sit at homes next day, because the clock is ticking backwards, [13:31] you know, they started to go and start walking around their homes. And next day, [13:36] they started to actually come to see their broken homes and, you know, like finding their belongings [13:41] and so on. So this is really, really emotional part, you know, like to even to watch and supervise, [13:48] to understand what we are doing. I think that what we are doing, we are creating a momentum where [13:54] both sides are learning this little mechanics, how to actually keep the peace when the peace comes. [14:03] It is also a very important initiative that I would like to sincerely thank you for, you know, [14:09] from my heart for doing this. Guys, journalists, you know, like you are heroes, you know, like [14:17] I couldn't go because I'm a politician, you know, like we couldn't really do it this time, [14:22] but next time I'm definitely in, you know, like on both sides. I would like to ask your assistance, [14:28] you know, like to have me as well, you know, like to come to the next, to the next place. And [14:35] I would like to say, say thank you to all American people who also participated and who donating now to [14:44] all these families, you know, we're talking about hundreds of families, not only people, [14:49] but also a lot of pets were evacuated, right? Like people were getting the pets, you know, [14:55] like they have new homes now. I mean, you know, like this is really, really big, big, big moment. [15:01] And definitely we would like to ask you to keep going and to find new missions and to deescalate [15:08] more as much as possible, because I'm also a member of political track and the political track is more [15:14] complex. It's more difficult. And sometimes, you know, like your, your mission is above the politics. [15:19] That's what how we call it internally. So we have political track, which sometimes have challenges. [15:24] And then we have above the politics track. We should never stop. And again, our president, [15:30] President Zelenskyy sends you the warmest regards. And I would like to ask our commissioner to, [15:36] he awarded you and Mark with the most prestigious awards for what you did already and what you will [15:42] do in the future. And thank you for that again. Thank you. Thanks. Thank you very much. [15:46] Dear Frostlady, on behalf of the president of Ukraine and Ukrainian nation, I would like to give to you [16:01] this state award for your leadership, for your brave heart, for saving our people and for returning back [16:10] Ukrainian children. You did so a lot for us. And I have only one request from all Ukrainian nation. Please [16:19] continue to do your wonderful work and support people. Thank you. Thank you, President Zelenskyy, [16:50] and the nation of Ukraine for this highest honor, the order of Princess Olga, first class. Thank you. [16:59] And my tremendous gratitude to Mr. Dimitro Lubinets, Ukrainian parliament commissioner of human rights, [17:08] for the incredible bravery and heart you show in serving your people every day. Thank you. [17:17] Imagine a young child confined to her home, unable to dream of her future because she lives in constant [17:26] fear. We were not born to spend our lives hiding in terror, watching the sky for drones and missiles, [17:35] or scanning the grounds for mines. What benefit is there when the lives of innocents are lost forever. [17:46] We are alive to laugh, create, explore and love. Let Oleskiy be the modest spark that grows into a lasting [17:57] flame of peace. The ceasefire in Oleskiy would not be possible without President Putin and President Zelenskyy. [18:08] Their cooperation establishes a meaningful precedent for advancing peace throughout the region. [18:18] As this historic moment concludes, I wrote personal letters to President Putin and to President Zelenskyy. [18:28] David and Carol, please deliver these letters to your presidents on my behalf. I trust you will ensure [18:36] this safe delivery. Thank you. Thank you everybody. Thank you. Beautiful. Thank you. [18:58] Are you going to try to negotiate a full peace deal?