Trump says Melania 'does better than professionals' after brokering local Russia-Ukraine truce

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump praised First Lady Melania Trump on Saturday, October 24, after she announced progress toward a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, saying her diplomatic efforts had outperformed those of professional negotiators.

The first lady said Pope Leo XIV's support was welcome and indicated that the two sides were preparing to begin a temporary halt in fighting on October 27. 

The agreement is aimed at delivering humanitarian assistance to civilians in a Ukrainian town under Russian control.

Trump praises Melania's breakthrough

The exchange took place after Trump and Melania cast their ballots early in West Palm Beach, Florida, before traveling to Georgia for a rally with Republican candidates.

Speaking about the agreement with reporters, Melania highlighted the support of the Pope and said discussions had taken place with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“It is great to have Pope's support and Russia and Ukraine are starting ceasefire on the October 27th and I hope everything goes as it's planned. We have talked with both President Putin and President Zelenskyy. We signed agreements,” she said.

Trump interjected to commend his wife's efforts, saying she had achieved progress that professional officials had not managed.

“I think she's doing better than the professionals right now,” the president said.

He also emphasized the humanitarian purpose behind her work, pointing to the plight of children and elderly people affected by the war.

The White House announced on Friday that Melania had helped secure a localized ceasefire in Oleshky, a Russian-controlled town in Ukraine's southern Kherson region.

The truce aims to bring vital relief supplies into the area and allow local residents to evacuate safely if they choose to leave.

Ceasefire targets Oleshky crisis

Life in Oleshky has become increasingly difficult for those still there, with dwindling supplies of food, medicine and safe drinking water.

Electricity remains scarce, while landmines on roads and ongoing military attacks have further restricted movement in and out of the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town.

Oleshky once had roughly 24,000 residents before the war.

Today, estimates put the population at just 1,700 to 2,000, including about 50 children, with older people making up most of those who remain, according to the White House.

The proposed truce includes removing mines from routes leading into the town, delivering essential supplies and helping civilians leave if they wish to do so.

Residents who choose to evacuate are expected to receive coordinated transportation to a destination of their choosing, including areas under either Russian or Ukrainian control.

The initiative builds on Melania Trump’s previous efforts to help return Ukrainian children separated from their families during the conflict.

Her office said the direct communication channel developed during those reunification efforts helped open discussions with both Moscow and Kyiv about a temporary pause around Oleshky.