Melania Trump to host Russian and Ukrainian envoys before Abu Dhabi talks

The meeting comes after Donald Trump suffered a significant electoral setback, facing criticism from Democrats regarding his recent moves toward Russia. The First Lady is expected to address the media regarding the humanitarian consequences of the Russian invasion.

She will discuss a recent truce that facilitated the evacuation of the Ukrainian city of Olechky, which was facing severe shortages, a development for which she advocated. Representatives including Dmytro Loubinets and Iana Lantratova, the respective human rights mediators for Kyiv and Moscow, are expected to be in attendance.

Notably, the ceasefire was observed by both sides, allowing for mine clearance and the departure of residents who wished to travel to Ukraine, Russia, or territories under Russian control.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, according to Russian news agencies, stated that Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev may be present in Washington “if logistics permit.”

Dmitriev’s potential visit occurs as Donald Trump has strengthened ties with Moscow through a diesel delivery agreement and exemption from new sanctions on the Russian energy sector.

Prior to this meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded Melania Trump a decoration for her “personal contribution to humanitarian aid.” Zelensky also spoke with White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Wednesday, shortly after the midterm elections.

“We had a very detailed conversation, an hour and a half long,” Zelensky stated on the platform X, referring to preparations for the Abu Dhabi talks scheduled for November 10th and 11th.

Zelensky, who is scheduled to be received in Madrid by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday, emphasized that his country is “ready to take the necessary measures” toward ending the conflict, which has raged for nearly five years.

“We are working hard with all parties to find a path leading to a lasting peace,” Kushner said on the same platform. He added that efforts are focused on both ending the war and establishing a security framework to prevent its recurrence.

In addition to the Abu Dhabi talks – the first of their kind since mid-February – meetings are taking place in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday involving representatives from Ukraine, the European Union, the United Kingdom, NATO, and the United States. The Wednesday meeting focused on “post-war reconstruction” and was “substantial,” Zelensky said. Thursday’s meeting will be dedicated to “security guarantees for Ukraine.”

Zelensky has repeatedly requested allies to increase defense assistance, particularly to counter intense Russian bombardments targeting Ukrainian infrastructure as winter approaches.

Following the Democratic victory in the midterm elections, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed hope that the next U.S. Congress would “exert more pressure on Russia.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned that Trump has largely governed without regard for Congress, questioning why that would change now.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, emphasized that Donald Trump “remains in office,” adding, “We sincerely hope that he will continue his efforts in favor of peace,” according to Dmitri Peskov.