Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has conferred the Order of Princess Olga, 1st class, on US First Lady Melania Trump in recognition of her efforts to secure humanitarian access in the war-torn Kherson region.
The presidential decree, issued November 2, cited her "significant personal contribution" to humanitarian support for Ukraine and her work helping Ukrainian children, including those deported or forcibly moved from Russian-occupied areas. The honour recognises women whose work spans science, education, culture and charitable endeavours.
Melania Trump's involvement centred on a six-day pause in hostilities around Oleshky, a southern Ukrainian town held by Russian forces. The ceasefire ran from Tuesday through Sunday and resulted in the evacuation of nearly 800 people, according to Melania Trump. Ukrainian officials credited her with playing a central role in arranging the pause, which represented the longest local halt to fighting since Russia's 2022 invasion began.
The White House indicated that Melania Trump took up the cause after learning of conditions facing Oleshky's residents and subsequently brokered the humanitarian operation. Zelensky expressed appreciation for her involvement, stating "We are grateful that they are organising this possibility to evacuate people."
Russia's ombudsperson Yana Lantratova underscored the significance of the effort, saying "Her personal involvement is of great importance to the entire process."
Pope Leo XIV also engaged this month with both Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, pressing them to permit humanitarian aid to reach Oleshky and allow civilians safe passage, the Vatican confirmed.
Earlier efforts to establish local ceasefires in the region have either collapsed or failed to hold. Both Ukraine and Russia are seeking endorsement from US President Donald Trump as he pursues a peace accord.
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